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LxA^VxcY Grooi^fe^T ^\ngVan^, 



THE 



YOUNG QUARTERMASTER. 



^t life nnis §mi^ 



LIEUT. L. M. BINGHAM, 



HEST SOUTH CAROLINA VOLUNTEEES. 






NEW YORK: 
BOARD OP PUBLICATION 

OF TlIK 

REPORMED PROTESTANT DUTCH CHURCH, 

SYNOD>S ROOifS, No. 103 FULTOX STREET, 







Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 18G3, by 

REV. THOMAS C. STRONG. D. D., 

On behalf of the Board of Publication of the Reformed Protestant Dutch 
Church in North America, in tlie Clerk's office of the District Court of 
the United States for the Southern District of New York. 



2 ^( ^^ 



EDWARD 0. JENKINS, 
^rtntrr & .Stereotaper, 
No. 20 North William St. 



CORRESPONDENCE. 

/ have received many letters, from loli icJi tlie follow- 
ing are extracts : 

" Rev. Mr. Blngliam : 

Dear Sir., — I read your account of tJie death of 
your son, Lieut. L. M. Bingham. Ithinh it has done 
me some good. His saying that he had no anxiety about 
his salvation., for he had committed it all to Jesus, ajj- 
peared to throw some ligJit on my miJid. Although I 
am yet in darhuss, I ivant you to pray for me, that I 
may oltain the same faith that he did, and please pray 
for me at the Fidton-street Prayer-meeting, that I may 
find Christ, and he enabled to give up my soul into his 
hands. 

^'^ I write to request you to puUish the dying experience 
of your son, that it may go through the length and 
breadth of the land, and that a copy may be sent to 
every soldier in the army and every sailor in the navy, 
and that it may find its way to every dwelling, liTce that 
precious tract ' The True Story of Luchnoio.'' 

^'' If a more extended memoir of him should be pub- 
lished, let it be sent far and ivide ; and perhaps in the 
Great Day many will titanic you, and you, will see the 
reason why he was so early taken from you, in order 
that he might be all the more useful. 

"J have long been in the darl'. I cannot find the 

(iii) 



4 CORRESPONDENCE. 

Saviotcr. That letter of yours gave me new ideas. 
Pray for me, that I may have stronger desires for him, 
and that the veil may le rent from my heart, and that 
I may know my sins forgiven. 

" Fro7ii an unknown friend.''"' 

Another letter says : 

" Dear Brother Bingham, — I return the account about 
Luther. Thanh you for the privilege of perusing it. 
I read it to my wife, and toe were loth deeply interested 
in it. Indeed, loe shed many tears while reading it. 
Glory to Ood for such a son and such a death, and for 
such sweet Gospel testimony ! 

" Truly your brother in the faith of '"'"""' " 



A clergyman, who walks in the same precious faith, 
zcrote that he had read the published account of the 
young Quartermaster. He expressed the hope that it 
might be the 7neans of leading many to a mo7'e exalted 
and abiding faith in Jesus. 

He hoped sometMng might be prepared, so that Luther 
could speak to those who were groping in darkness and 
longed to come into the light and into full assurance of 
faith in Jesus. 



The great object in the preparation of this little 
unpretending volume is to do good to soldiers, to Sab- 
batli-scliool scholars, and to general readers. We are 
never weary in bearing of the triumphs of Christian 
faith and of the victories of the Spirit. The young 
Quartermaster was a bright and living example of 
what the power and grace of God could do. No 
one can read the story of his life and death and not 
feel that he walked amid the higher forms of spirit- 
ual life. It might be well said of him that the grace 
of God had triumphed over the love of self, and had 
inspired in him the ardent desire that he might live 
to some good purpose. He sought to be strong in 
the Lord and in the power of his might, and to stand 
in the evil day. 

If this little book shall be the means of inspiring 
in other minds those high purposes which governed 
this Christian soldier— if any shall be led to seek 
after the same assurance of faith in Christ, in life 
and in death, we shall have reason to rejoice that 
our labor has not been in vain. 

Our thanks arc due to all those who have contrib- 
uted to the interest of these pages. 
1^ 



•" Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of his 
tni^ht. 

" Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against 
the wiles of the devil. 

" For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, 
against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against 
spiritual wickedness in high places. 

" Wherefore, take unto you the whole armor of God, tliat yc may be able 
to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 

" Stand, therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on 
the breastplate of righteousness. 

" And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace ; 

" Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to 
quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 

" And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is 
the word of God ; 

"Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and 
watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints." 

EPHEsrANfi vi. 10-18. 



|!ig|t Sntt^s^ 



My Father bade me keep this path, 

Nor ever turn aside : 
The road which leads away from Him 

Is very smooth and wide ; 

The fields are fresh, and cool, and green ; 

Pleasant the shady trees; 
But those around my own dear home 

Are lovelier far than these. 

I must not loiter on the road, 

For I have far to go ; 
And I should like to reach the door 

Before the sun is low. 

I must not stay ; but will you not — 

O ! will you not — come too ? 
My home is very beautiful, 

And there is room for you. 

THE sun was just setting as we cast anchor 
in the bay at Hilton Head, July 18th, 1863. 
It was going down amid a sea of burnished 
gold. " We have had a most delightful pas- 



10 THE YOUNG QUARTERMKSTER. 

sage," said tlie passengers to each other, as they 
were making their preparations to separate. 
The Provost-marshal had come on board of the 
Arago, and was busy overhauling and inspect- 
ing the passports and permits of the passengers, 
and ascertaining the character and objects of 
each. All was bustle and earnest preparation 
for going ashore. 

My destination was Beaufort. A telegram 
had been sent to General Saxton, the General 
and Military Governor, whose headquarters 
were at this beautiful town, that mails and pas- 
sengers had arrived, and requesting him to 
send a steamer down for them. It was not 
known whether the request would be complied 
with, or whether the steamer would come the 
next day, as was the usual course. 

Meantime, I had made up my mind to tarry 
at the Head, as it was Saturday night. I 
tliought I would stay where I was, over the 
Sabbath, go on shore on the morrow, and attend 
Sabbath religious services, wlierever I would 
find them, and proceed to Beaufort on Monday. 
To this conclusion I came, to avoid the violation 
of any part of the day of sacred rest, and with 



THE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER. \ 1 

this conclusion I retired to my state-room for 
the night, with the deep feeling of disappoint- 
ment that I could not spend the Sabbath with 
my beloved son in the camp of the First Regi- 
ment South Carolina Volunteers. 

I had fallen into a sound sleep, when a Chap- 
lain on General Saxton^s staff, who had been 
my fellow passenger, came and awoke me, and 
said the steamer from Beaufort was lying off at 
a little distance. He requested me to arise, 
dress myself as soon as possible, and go with 
him on board, and we would go up to the town 
together. I told him tliat I had considered the 
whole matter, and that under all the circum- 
stances I preferred to remain. 

He said, " There are very urgent reasons why 
you must proceed to-night to Beaufort. We 
have no time to lose, so you must get ready, as 
quickly as possible, and go with me." 

I hesitated no longer, but arose and finished 
my preparations, and in the darkness went over 
the ship's side and down the ladder into a little 
boat, and in a few minutes we were on board 
the little steamer and on our way to Beaufort. 
On board we found several persons, ladies and 



12 THE YOUNG QUARTEUMASTER. 

gentlemen, some of whom had come down to 
meet and greet their friends. About three 
o'clock, on a beautiful Sabbath morning, I found 
we were nearing the town, and up to that time 
I had not heard a word of those urgent reasons 
why I should leave the ship. When we were 
only a little distance from the wharf, the Chap- 
lain came to me and said, 

" Brother Bingham, your son is very sick." 
" What is the matter with him V said I, 
startled and alarmed. 

" He is struck with paralysis, and lies in the 
second house from where we shall land. I will 
call there with you on landing," he replied. 
This was dreadful news. 

I could make no more conversation, for my 
mind comprehended the worst at once. I knew 
the case must be very bad, or he would not be 
so very urgent that I should go up that night 
from the Head— ^ery had-^ox he would have 
spoken of the case sooner. 

We were soon at tlie door of the mansion 
wlicre my dear boy lay, for lie liad come into 
town, and by tliese kind friends, where he had 
called, had been urged to remain over night, 



THE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER. \% 

and the next day his case liad become so alarm- 
ing that he could not be moved. 

The Chaplain went forward and made in- 
quiry, and an officer in charge came and said 
he did not dare to let me speak to him that 
night, as he had been directed by the attending 
surgeons to keep him as quiet as possible. I 
was told that I had better come with the Sur- 
geon in the morning. 

I begged the privilege of stepping forward 
and looking at him, which was allowed, inas- 
much as his back was toward me, and it was 
supposed that he would not notice or know of 
the presence of any one except his attendants. 
In this we found afterwards that we were mis- 
taken. He did know that some one was there 
very desirous to see him. He received that 
impression, and it took his attendants a long 
time to quiet him after I was gone. My stay 
was but a moment, just long enough to. take in 
the whole. There he lay on his camp bed, 
which had been brought up from his quarters. 
There lay his uniform and clothes, hanging over 
the back of a sofa as he had laid them off. 
Prostrate lay my dear boy, whom I had never 
2 



14, THE YOUNG QUABTERMASTER. 

seen suffering a day's sickness scarcely before. 
The last I had seen of him he was in apparently 
robust health. 

I had entertained fond hopes of a happy and 
joyful meeting with him, though this was en- 
tirely incidental to my visit to the Army of the 
South. I had gone simply as the agent of the 
Board of Publication of the Reformed Dutch 
Church, to form acquaintances with officers, 
cliaplains and men, to learn their wants, and 
to distribute religious reading among them, 
and to prepare the way for sending more abun- 
dant supplies, so far as we could. 

This was my first-born son. He had a sister 
nine years older than himself, who was my 
eldest-born. No sister's hands could be with 
him now, and yet there were sisterly hands that 
ministered to him, in connection with the 
rougher hands of the kind and attentive officers 
and men of his regiment. I shall never cease 
to feel thankful that he had lady friends in 
Beaufort, who from the first of his sickness took 
the deepest interest in the young Quartermaster, 
and did not spare such attentions and ministra- 
tions as they could bestow. 



11. 

Itg €a\xiitxumt\\ in $xms. 

What are meetings here but partings? 
What are ecstacies but smartings? 
Union, what but separations? 
What attachments but vexations? 

Every smile but brings its tear, 

Love its ache, and hope its fear ; 

All that's sweet must bitter prove ; 

All we hold most dear remove ! 

Heavenward rise ! 'tis Heaven in kindness 
Alars our bliss to heal our blindness ; 
Hope from vanity to sever, 
Offering joys that bloom for ever. 

In that amaranthine clime. 

Far above the tears of time, 

Where nor fear nor hope intrude 

Lost in pure beatitude. 

lyrOT the least interested of all others were 
-^* two sable men in attendance, witli the young 
officer, on my son. The officer was then Quar- 
termaster's Sergeant, but now he holds the 
rank of Lieutenant, by promotion for good sol- 

(15) 



IQ THE YOUNG QUARTERMASTER. 

dierly conduct. Who were these dusky men ? 
They were members of the First South Caro- 
lina, a regiment of colored men, most of whom 
were once slaves. Both of them were God's 
freemen — not only set free in God's holy pro- 
vidence, but better than all, freemen in Christ 
Jesus : for whom the Son makes free they shall 
be free indeed. These men were noble speci- 
mens of their race. They were the young 
Quartermaster's faithful helpers, and they had 
become exceedingly attached to him, and he 
knew and felt it, and it was a great delight to 
him to have their kind attentions. 

They were good soldiers of Jesus Christ, as 
well as good soldiers of their Government, and 
the bond that bound them Avas stronger than 
death. For this reason it was a joy that these men 
could attend upon him. I knew and felt that 
all these men could be trusted to do all that 
could be done. In that assurance I went slowly 
to my place of stay to wait the coming of the 
morning when I could go in with the Surgeon. 

My Countrymen in Arms ! 
These unpretending pages are written for 



THE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER. 17 

you. You have given all that you are, and all 
you can be, and can do, to your country. A 
nation's gratitude is due to you, and will fol- 
low you. Especially will the great Christian 
heart of tliis nation ever beat with quickened 
and warm pulsations when it sends forth its 
prayers for your happiness, safety and success. 
Millions of prayers go up to God daily for you, 
from pious fathers and mothers and wives and 
brothers and sisters and friends — sent up to 
the mercy seat, from your loved homes, by those 
who love you as they love their own lives. 

Thousands have gone from their homes to 
return to them — perhaps — no more. Many who 
went witli you to the war have now gone to 
their eternal homes. They will return to the 
loved ones they left no more. " No more to 
return" has fallen upon their crushed spirits 
with a terrible pang. Our land is filled with 
mourning on account of the ravages of war. 

The war is not ended, though we pray 
that it soon may end. We pray, that peace 
may come and that it may be established in 
righteousness. For such a peace we all shoidd 
pray. For such a peace you put your precious 
2^ 



18 THE YOUNG QUARTERMASTER. 

lives in jeopardy every hour. You fight your 
battles to secure it. You throw your lives into 
the " imminent deadly breach" that rebellion 
may be overcome. 

My soldier countrymen! you owe a duty to 
your own country, but you owe a higher duty 
to your own being and to God. It is not right 
to endanger your souls. No man has a right 
to throw his soul away. No ! You may not 
be able to save your natural lives, but on 
the contrary, you must expose them to instant 
death in the hazard of battle. When the com- 
mand is given, no man has a right to hesitate 
for a moment to obey. Obedience may lead to 
death— certain death to some. Yet every order 
must be most strictly obeyed and complied with. 
Every good soldier understands this. Only 
this is safe. 

If life is in jeopardy, your souls must also be 
in danger. I know that some men say that a 
soldier has no right to be concerned about the 
future. But we say that he, of all others, should 
be at peace with God. 

Be entreated, then, to seek the salvation of 
your souls. Fear God and you will have no- 



THE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER. 19 

thing else to fear. We must have good men 
to fight our battles. 

I urge you to attend to the subject of salva- 
tion. The importance of it will brook no de- 
lay. Now is the accepted time. Behold, now 
is the day of salvation. Believe on the Lord 
Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved. He that 
believeth shall be saved, and he tliat believeth 
not shall be damned. These are the words of 
the Bible. 

T wish you could understand the full force of 
the meaning of those wonderful words. 

" Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord 
and in the power of his might." 

There is no strength and power like this. It 
is a mysterious, amazing power, by which a 
man becomes energized by an influence from 
above. A man is strong in the Lord when he 
becomes conscious that he is engaged in a cause 
upon which the Lord smiles with favor : strong 
in the power of his might, when he believes 
that he is animated by a spirit which God ap- 
proves. Men strong in the Lord and in the 
power of his might are valiant men. Sucli were 
Cromwell's men. They never lost a battle. 



20 THE YOUNG QUARTERMASTER. 

They were men of religious convictions and 
purposes. 

Such were Havelock and his men. They 
Avere men who feared God, but were as fearless 
and bold as lions in the field of battle. When 
a hazardous expedition was on foot, or a dan- 
gerous assault was to be made, these, of all 
the men of the British army, were chosen to 
execute the same. " Give me Havelock's men," 
said Sir Colin Campbell as he was about to 
storm one of the strongest redoubts of the 
enemy. " Give me Havelock and his saints and 
I will win the day.'' 

Christian heroes are heroes indeed. There 
are such. Our own armies have furnished 
many illustrious examples — a great multi- 
tude. We want more. I want you to under- 
stand what it is to be strong in the Lord and 
in the power of his might. 



III. 

®Irt (iflflli BalYxtx at Ifsns C|nst. 



'Tia not for man to trifle ! Life is brief 

And sin is here. 
Our age is but the falling of a leaf, 

A dropping tear. 
"We have no time to sport away the hours. 
All must be earnest in a world like ours. 

Not many lives, but only one have we, 

One, only one ! 
How sacred should that one life ever be, 

That narrow span ! 
Day after day filled up with blessed toil, 
Hour after hour still bringing in new spoil. 

Our being is no shadow of thin air, 

No vacant dream, 
No fable of the things that never were, 

But only seem. 
'Tis full of meaning as of mystery. 
Though strange and solemn may that meaning be. 

THOSE were weary hours in which I waited 
until I could go in with the attending Sur- 
geon. I had not been given to understand by the 

(21) 



22 THE YOUI^G QUARTERMASTER. 

Quartermaster's attendants how great his dan- 
ger was. Perhaps they did not know them- 
selves. How should they? I did not then 
dream that his case was so critical, and even 
then beyond all hope. My mind was busy 
forming plans. 1 had been, as I felt, in some 
measure instrumental in his coming into this 
department. Perhaps I had indirectly been 
instrumental, by the advice which I had given 
him, of bringing this injury upon him. I 
thought over all the past. I said to myself, I 
must do all I can to get him home. I will go 
home with him, and I will tell him so in the 
morning. 

Then I thought of the bright history of his 
later life. I felt comforted that he had acted 
the part of a Christian soldier. I had not been 
ignorant of the stand he had taken and the part 
he had acted. I had heard of him and from 
him. I believed him to be ready for life or 
death. My heart was filled with great comfort 
and gratitude that God had enabled him to act 
the part of the Christian soldier. I had prayed 
for this. I had asked others to pray for the 
same. A good soldier of Jesus Christ I asked 



THE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER. 23 

that he might be. What did I pray for, and 
what is, to be a Good Soldier of Jesus Christ f 

It is Paul's phrase, and his life is the clear 
illustration of its meaning. Let us remember, 
first, that the Lord Jesus Christ wants soldiers. 
He has a cause, a crown, and a kingdom. His 
enemies are many and miglity, and he is to 
overcome them all. But for their discomfiture 
and overthrow he needs and calls for the ser- 
vices of all who are capable of being valiant 
for the true and the right. He carries on a 
war with principalities and powers, and with 
the rulers of the darkness of this world — subtle, 
daring, malignant, and vigilant foes, all of 
them ; but they are all to be subjugated and 
made obedient to the righteous sceptre of the 
King of Zion. 

Men, women, and children, redeemed by the 
blood of Calvary, and enlightened by the Holy 
Spirit, compose tlie army which is being led by 
the great Captain of Salvation against the rebel 
hosts of error and of sin. This army is already 
large ; it consists of many divisions, and is mov- 
ing in compact columns; still it is constantly 
sujffering depletion from death and disease. Its 



24 THE YOUNG QUARTERMASTER. 

thinning ranks need to be refilled. As its 
veterans go up higher to receive their everlast- 
ing rewards, recruits must be brought in. In- 
stead of the fathers, the children must come 
forward ; and in place of the disabled, the 
" young men who are strong" are required to 
take their stand with armor of proof. 

Every church is a recruiting-office ; every 
sermon proclaims the terms of enlistment, and 
every minister of the Cross is authorized to 
commission those who are ready to renounce 
the service of Satan and enter the army of tlie 
living God. Yes ! soldiers are needed to carry 
the battle to the gates of hoary Error, and of 
dismal Superstition, and of embruting Idolatry, 
and of sensual Atheism, that souls may be res- 
cued from the gaping pit of perdition, and the 
whole world be made free with the freedom 
which only Jesus Christ can bestow and pre- 
serve. Who will enlist to-day — even now, 
while the invitation is being read ? 

" The conflict is raging — 'twill be fearful and long ; 
Then gird on your armor, and be marching along.'' 

Our great Captain needs good soldiers. 



THE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER. 25 

Timid, half-hearted, selfish mercenaries, who 
think that gain is godliness, or that indolence 
is acceptable duty, would prove to be but vaga- 
bond camp-followers or cowardly stragglers 
when once confronted with the foe, or when 
marching through his dominions. Such would 
only weaken the effective force of the Christian 
host ; they could add at least nothing to its real 
strength. 

Let us try to describe a good soldier of Jesus 
Christ : 

He is heart and soul, ivitli mind and hody, 
devoted to the cause of Ms Captain. He judges 
that since he was dead in trespasses and in sins, 
and has been made alive by the grace of his 
Saviour, he should henceforth live wholly and 
entirely for the salvation of his fellow- sinners 
and the honor of his Lord and Saviour. For 
him " to live is Christ." He " glories in the 
Cross," and in that only. He delights in the 
way of truth, and longs to have others walk 
with him in that way. Having made no reserve 
for the world or self, he gives himself wholly, 
for time, and for eternity, to the service and 
guardianship of his Almighty King and Keeper, 
3 



26 ^-^^^ YOUKG QTTARTEnMASTER. 

He cJieerfuUij suhmits to wholesome discipline. 
A good soldier is made such by drill and train- 
ing. He must learn to know his arms and how 
to use them ; how to march in unison with others 
in making aggressive movements upon the bat- 
tlefield, and how to detect a lurking foe or 
cunning spy. Such discipline must be acquired 
in the closet ; in prayerful study of the Bible, 
which is the Christian's manual of instruction ; 
in the social prayer-meeting, where is cultivated 
" the goodly fellowship of the saints," the esprit 
dn corps so essential in the spiritual warfare ; 
and in tlie Church, where all are required to be 
defenders of the faith and fellow-helpers of the 
truth. 

He endures hardness. War proffers no ease. 
It invites rather to rugged toils, and heavy 
burdens, and sharp, deadly conflicts. There- 
fore, a good soldier of Jesus Christ welcomes 
toil. When most exposed to hardships and 
dangers, he joys even in tribulation, knowing 
that tril)ulation worketh patience, and patience 
experience, and experience hope^ because the 
love of God is shed abroad in his soul. Even 
in the fiercest conflict he is ready to sing, 



THE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER. 27 

"Must I be carried to the skies 

On flovvcrj beds of ease, 
While others fought to win the prize, 

Or sailed through bloody seas ?" 



Re is careful to have on all his armoi\ He 
knows that the very best has been provided for 
him, and that without it, if exposed to the fiery 
darts of the enemy, lie is sure to be captured or 
slain. Therefore, he has his loins girt aboufc 
witli truth, his heart covered with the breast- 
plate of righteousness, and his feet shod with 
the preparation of the gospel of peace ; on his 
left arm is the shield of faith, on his head the 
helmet of salvation, in his right hand the sword 
of the Spirit, and on his lips the watchword 
of prayer. Thus he is furnished both for de- 
fensive and offensive war, and is made stronger 
than all they who can be against him. Thus 
he is enabled to withstand oppositions in the 
evil day, and having overcome all, still to stand 
firm and unmoved under the banner of light. 

Re is not only ivilling^ hut eagei\ to meet the 
enemy. The Christian cannot act in defence 
only of his position and cause ; he must needs 
advance, make careful approaclies, and invest 



28 TKE YOUNG QUARTERMASTER. 

with proper force all the various fortifications 
of iniquity. His business is to assail them, 
and compel a surrender to the rightful Ruler 
and Sovereign. This sort of warfare may be 
carried on in many ways ; it admits and wel- 
comes every intellectual, moral, and spiritual 
implement suited to the nature of the conflict ; 
and they only can be accounted good soldiers 
of the Lord Jesus Christ, who are ready to 
exert all their powers in the holy war against 
Satan and his usurped authority over the hu- 
man race. 

He does not weary of the service. Others may 
fall away, or tire or desert ; but the good soldier 
of the Cross delights in the service he lias en- 
tered, and fights the good fight of faith with 
increasing confidence and courage. Every sin 
overcome, every evil abolished, every success- 
ful inroad made into the territory of wicked- 
ness, and every trophy gained, serve to height- 
en his zeal and inflame his love for the cause 
which he lives to sustain and promote. He is 
neither appalled by perils, nor disheartened 
through the treachery of false brethren, nor 
cast down by disappointments, nor dismayed 



THE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER. 



29 



by occasional reverses, but fights on, knowing 
that^ he can do all things possible, through 
Christ strengthening him. Forgetting all these 
as soon as they are past, he presses with grow- 
ing ardor toward the prize of his high calling, 
even toward his unfading crown, which the 
Lord will give him in the moment of his tri- 
umph over the " last enemy." 

The good soldier of Jesus Christ knows as- 
suredly that victory is certain in the armies of 
the Lord, They are engaged in no doubtful 
contest. The kingdoms of this earth shall be- 
come the kingdoms of our Lord and his Christ. 
The Almighty has so decreed ; prophecy has 
foretold it; promise has made it sure; the 
blood of tlie Lamb has ratified the covenant to 
this effect ; and tliough the kings of the earth 
set themselves, and the rulers take counsel 
against the Lord and against his Anointed, yet 
is it written, " Ask of me, and I sliall give thee 
the heathen for thine inheritance, and the utter- 
most parts of the earth for i\\j possesion. Thou 
Shalt break them with a rod of iron ; thou 
Shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel. 
Jesus shall have dominion from sea to sea and 
3- 



30 THE YOUNG QUARTERMASTER. 

from the river to the ends of the earth. Yea, all 
kings shall fall down before him ; all nations 
shall serve him !" 

The battle is pitched, and will go on. The 
victory is sure. It will be gloriously won ; 
and every good soldier of Jesus Christ will be 
a partaker of the joy and fruits of that august 
victory over Sin, and Satan, and Death. How 
sacred, how sublime the privilege of living to 
and for 

" That God which ever lives and loves — 
One God, one Law, one Element, 
And one far-off divine event. 
To which the whol« creation moves !" 

Now, my fellow-soldier, are you ready to 
become a good soldier of Jesus Christ? He 
will be your Captain and Leader. He will 
lead you as no other Captain ever did or can. 
He conducts through all the good fight of 
faith to the crown which is laid up in heaven 
for you. At the end there is a crown and a 
kingdom ; and if j^ou will fight you shall reign, 
and be a king and priest unto God for ever and 
ever. 



THE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER. 31 

Come now ! Put on the whole armor, and go 
forth against the powers of sin and darkness. 
You shall come off conqueror and more than 
conqueror. 

Our sorrows are no phantom of the night, 

No idle tale ; 
No cloud that floats along a sky of light 

On summer gale. 
Thay are the true realities of earth, 
Friends and companions even from our birth. 

life below ! how brief and poor and sad ! 

One heavy sigh. 
life above ! how long, how fair and glad ! 

An endless joy. 
Oh ! to be done with daily dying here ; 
Oh ! to begin the living in yon sphere ! 

day of time, how dark ! sk}'^ and earth, 

How dull your hue I 
day of Christ, how bright ! sky and earth, 

Made fair and new ! 
Come, better Eden, with thy fresher green ; 
Come, brighter Salem, gladden all the scene ! 



IV. 

Go teach these little feet the way 

That leads to endless life, 
And let their footsteps never stray 

In paths with danger rife. 

Those lambs of mine most precious are, 

The humblest in the fold ; 
Their worth exceeds the brightest star. 

Or gems of earthly mould. 

For such as as these from heaven I came, 

And lived a child on earth ; 
For such as these I died in shame, 

To give them heavenly birth. 

T UTHER MELANCTHON BINGHAM 
^ was born at Marietta, Ohio, September 
20th, 1836. Consequently^ this Sabbath, which 
dawned July 19, 1863, completed twenty-six 
years and ten months of liis life. He was the 
son of Rev. Luther G. Bingham, who had 
been settled as pastor of the Congregational 

(32) 



THE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER. 33 

Church of that place for nearly eleven years, 
while he, himself, was a member of the Pres- 
bytery of Athens, Ohio. Luther's grandfather. 
Reuben Bingham, of Cornwall, Vermont, and 
his great-grandfather, of the same, and a long 
line of ancestry on his father's side, were dis- 
tinguished for their earnest and intelligent piety 
and thorough knowledge and love of the great 
cardinal doctrines of the Gospel. His mother 
was Sarah, daughter of Captain Eliphalet 
Samson, also of Cornwall, Vt., who too was 
a descendant of a long line of pious ancestry. 
Captain Samson was an officer in the war of 
1812, and always insisted on having his men 
together every morning for morning worship. 
He was a strict disciplinarian and a devoted 
Christian. 

In the autumn of 1839, the father of Luther 
resigned his pastoral charge and accepted the 
secretaryship and general agency of the West- 
ern American Education Society, and removed 
mth his family to Cincinnati. It was with 
great regret that the family took leave of a 
large circle of friends and a most aifectionate 
Church and people in Marietta, and removed to 



34 TEE YOUNG QUARTERMASTEB. 

their new home. But such seemed to them the 
path of duty. After their removal, the hearts 
of the parents of Luther yearned for the 
friends whom they had left behind, and some- 
times the mother and her children would make 
an occasional visit there, while his father would 
be abroad on the wide field of his labors. Lu- 
ther had a sister nine years older than himself 
and a brother three years younger. 

In the month of March, 1840, these children 
were suddenly bereft of one of the best of 
mothers, by death. No one ever became ac- 
quainted with the mother of these children, 
who could for a moment doubt about the heavy 
blow that had fallen upon them. It was al- 
most without warning, and awfully severe — 
the father engaged in a wide and cumbersome 
agency — and these children far removed from 
any relatives. The situation of the family was 
one of great trial. 

During the summer following the death of 
the mother, the father made very strenuous ef- 
forts to keep his family together, but in the au- 
tumn he became convinced it was impracticable, 
and the family was broken up and the children 



THE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER- 35 

placed in the care of one of the kindest of 
families in Marietta, and among the old friends 
of their father and mother. This was a great 
blessing to the cliildren. 

The domestic bereavement which came npon 
tlicse children, in the loss of their beloved 
mother, was to have a great influence upon 
their after life, in the series of events of wliich 
this seemed to be the beginning. 

In May, 1841, little Luther and his sister 
and brother were introduced to the care of his 
second mother, who was Miss Julia Ann Davis, 
daughter of William Davis, Esq., an elder in 
the Old Tennant Presbyterian Church, in Free- 
hold, New Jersey. She was married to Rev. 
L. G. Bingliam, April 1, 1841, and in the en- 
suing month entered with a noble-hearted zeal 
upon her responsible and coveted duty — the 
care of these children. She proved a noble 
mother— a self-denying mother — a successful 
mother. Never was a mother more affection- 
ate, judicious and deserving of the love of her 
children, and she had it. These children clung 
to her as to their own mother, and though 
other children were born in the familv, there 



36 THE YOUNG QUARTERMASTER. 

was never known to be any difference between 
the first and the last. The word step-mother 
was never used in the family, and the idea con- 
veyed by the word was never thought of. The 
children of the second mother were great fa- 
vorites with the children of the first mother, 
and their beautiful lives were so blended to- 
gether in perfect harmony, that it was never 
felt that they were not full brothers and sis- 
ters. The second mother was qualified by na- 
ture, culture and grace for her position, and 
well did she fill it toward her adopted chil- 
dren. She was resolved to do all in her power 
to be to them all their own mother would 
have been, and would have her be. Her mis- 
sion in this regard was a constant joy to her. 
It was 7iever that she felt the care of these chil- 
dren to be a burden. 

Luther had but the faintest recollections of 
his own mother. He had no knowledge, in 
fact, of any mother but the one God provided 
for him. 

In 1843 the health of this mother failed and she 
was obliged to move East with all the family. 
This removal resulted in the settlement in Ver- 



THE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER. 37 

mont of the father over a village Church, as 
Pastor, which relation was maintained for 
eiglit years. It was during a revival of reli- 
gion, toward the latter part of tliis time, in this 
Church and congregation, that Luther became 
liopefully pious and made a public profession 
of religion. It is believed that his younger 
brother became a Christian about the same 
time, thougli he was so young that he was not 
encouraged to connect himself with the Church. 
Subsequent events showed that the hopes then 
indulged were well founded, though he was 
but a mere child. 

During the residence in Vermont a sore be- 
reavement was experienced in the death of two 
lovely little children, the eldest ones by the 
second marriage. They were very lovely, and 
to the parents and to the older children this 
wq^ a dreadful blow. The bonds of ajffection 
between tlicm were very strong, and could not 
have been stronger. 

These facts are mentioned to show the in- 
fluences which conspired together to form the 
character of Luther. At this time he was 
naturally a headstrong boy, and needed to 
4 



38 THE YOUNG QUARTBRMASTEB. 

be held in with an even and strong rein. The 
death of his beloved sisters had a strong in- 
fluence over him and made a lasting impres- 
sion. He never could refer to it afterwards 
without being sensibly affected. 

Yet, like all losses of this nature, the first 
deep impression was in some measure obliter- 
ated, but yet it had its influence, and that of a 
salutary nature. Though impressions may be 
effaced in some measure, they are not all ob- 
literated. God meant these visitations in this 
family for good, and so they proved. 

Anotlier event which had a great influence 
in shaping Luther's future course was the loss 
by his father of all his property. This had 
come to him in the mysterious providence of 
God, and it went from him in the same mys- 
terious providence. The crash was complete. 
It was sudden and final. All was gone. The 
change which came over the family in con- 
sequence of this event had a mighty influence 
in moulding the character of the two brothers 
Luther and William. Probably no greater bless- 
ing could have been bestowed than this reverse 
in the pecuniary condition of their father. 



THE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER. 39 

In the autumn of 1852; the family removed 
to the City of New York, when Luther was a 
little more than fourteen years old. This was 
done in order that his father might engage in 
those literary and ministerial pursuits to which 
he had been accustomed in his western life, by 
means of which he hoped to support himself and 
family. 

Up to this time Luther had been nearly all 
his life in schools and academies, and had ac- 
quired a good thorough English education for 
a lad of his years. Now an entire change took 
place in his condition and prospects. He long- 
ed for employment. He had not a drop of lazy 
blood in him. He sought work and was de- 
termined to get it. But it was not so easily 
found. 

I shall never forget how earnestly day after 
da^ he walked the streets of New York in 
quest of employment. He thought somebody 
must want him. Well do I remember how 
lame he became and foot-sore from continual 
tramping on the pavements, to which he was 
unaccustomed, and how discouraged lie would 
come back at night after a long day's peram- 



40 THE YOUNQ QUARTERMASTER. 

biilations. It was weeks before he found any- 
tliing to do. All this was a discipline which 
lie much needed to strip him of all his pride 
and lofty anticipations of success. The battle 
of life was fairly begun and he began to feel 
how sharp it might be. 

When employment was secured he fell under 
influences of the most favorable character. He 
was under the control of Christian gentlemen, 
who did not fail to appreciate the boy of all 
Avork, and who soon perceived that he had a 
spirit which, if fostered, would make him valu- 
able to himself and to others. He was treated 
with great kindness and consideration, and the 
watch which he carried in his pocket at the 
time of his death was a gift from one of his 
early employers. This watch went with him to 
the war, as a memento of the donor, whom 
Luther had nursed through a fearful sickness, 
and who always said he owed his recovery 
to Luther more than to any one else. These 
things are mentioned to show one trait of his 
character — his unselfishness and devotion to 
those who were his friends. He could never 
do too much for them. 



THE GHRISTIAX SOLDIER. 41 

In process of time this firm became dissolved, 
and it became necessary for Luther to seek an- 
other place of business. He was encouraged 
to go to Marietta, Ohio, in company with his 
brother — the place where he was born, and 
where resided the early friends of his father 
and his own dear mother. Here both children 
were treated with great kindness, but the re- 
sult did not realize much advantage to either, 
over and above that discipline which they had 
to undergo by this absence from home, from 
which they were now separated for a year. It 
was with great reluctance the father consented 
to their going, under the deep impression that 
when the family were all together for family 
worship, on the morning -on which they left, 
they never would be all together again. He 
followed them over to Jersey City, and saw 
them on board the cars for the West, with a 
pang at his heart — persuaded that the separa- 
tion of the family that day would be final to 
some of them. 

And so it proved. Before the year had sped 
away, and the time for their return had come, 
the dear, precious mother had died. 



%\)t Wiiixtut M)i Pans 0f iidKj. 



But when the Lord who bought me 

Asks for my service here, 
To " fight the good fight" faithfully, 

I'm skulking in the rear. 

And yet I know this Captain 

All love and care to be : 
He would never get impatient 

With a raw recruit like me — 

And I knew he'd not forget me 
When the Day of Peace appears, 

I should share with him the victory 
Of all his volunteers. 

A T the time of Luther's return from his 
•^ western place of abode, for the space of a 
year, I thought as far as I could judge he had 
been laying off the whole armor of God in- 
stead of putting it on. He was now eighteen 
years old, and just on the narrow strand be- 
tween boy and man. He was neither one nor 

(42) 



THE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER. 43 

yet the other — too much of a man to be a boy 
— too much of a boy to be a man. 

He was impulsive and resolute in wliatever 
lie undertook, and did not always conduct liim- 
sclf with so much regard to the spirit of Chris- 
tian duty as before he left home. Though he was 
outwardly moral and correct in his deportment, 
yet he had evidently lost much of the power 
of Christian faith. How easy to lose it! 
What wonder that he had gone backward ? 
He never became estranged from home. He 
loved his home as few lads do. His younger 
brother "William, who went and returned with 
him, mourned his absence from home, and being 
younger and less matured, he had all the feel- 
ings of a child, and his clinging affections 
longed for the embraces of the dear ones at 
home. The two were very unlike, and yet they 
had the tenderest love for each other. 

We want to talk or write about this whole 
armor of God. We should like to tell how 
Luther laid it off and how he put it on. But 
first of all we must speak of what it is. If we 
had all the people before us who will read 
these v/ords, and could lift up a voice like a trum- 



44 THE YOUNG QUAETEB MASTER. 

pet so that a hundred thousand or more could 
hear, we would choose for our text those words 
of Paul : " Take unto you the whole armor 
of God." Because we are breathing the at- 
mosphere of war, and the minds of men are 
easily filled with illustrations drawn from the 
battlefield, we would make a brief discourse 
for the times on the warfare and victory. 

We are told to take this armor that we 
" may be able to withstand in the evil day, 
and having done all to stand ; stand therefore, 
having your loins girt about with truth, and 
having on the breastplate of righteousness, and 
your feet shod with the preparation of the 
Gospel of peace : above all, taking the shield 
of faith.' 

All these preparations are to enable us to 
STAND. Firmness in standing is the first re- 
quisite of a good soldier. If he cannot stand 
when he ought to stand, he is no man. We 
need Christian soldiers in the host of God, 
that can stand in the day of trial that is now 
on us. The danger of the hour is that we 
are to be STvept away from our moorings, and 
borne out on the sea of wild excitement that 



THE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER. 45 

surges and rolls around us. We have our du- 
ties as citizens, and he is false to God who is 
false to his country in such a day as this. But 
patriotism asks no sacrifice of Christian prin- 
ciple or action. We may and must work for 
Christ and the souls of men while we live and 
die for our Government. We must stand fast in 
our profession, let the world drive on as it may. 
Keep the heart with all diligence. Set a 
guard on the lips. Let every Christian be 
careful to keep himself unspotted from the 
world, while the temptations to excess are so 
many that it requires prayer and watchfulness 
to maintain a holy walk and conversation. 
''• Having done all, stand." 

Truth should be your guide. It is a fact 
that truth is at a dreadful discount just now. 
It is less esteemed than ever. The great ques- 
tion is, " what will answer the purpose ?" not, 
" what is true." How hard it is to get at the 
truth, even in matters that most nearly concern 
the glory of our arms and the happiness of 
our families. Even official reports are found to 
be fabulous, and the public mind has ceased to 
have confidence in the first news of any great 



46 THE YOUNG QUARTERMASTER. 

movement. To be a true soldier of Christ, 
and a good citizen of his Government, have 
your loins girt about with truth. Say the trutli 
if you speak at all. Be silent if you cannot be 
true. 

These are trying times, and men may not be 
willing to hear the truth, but nothing will jus- 
tify you in testifying falsely when you speak 
for God and your country. Nor can you be 
false if you have on " the breastplate of kight- 
EousNESs." It is the glory of a good man to 
be clothed with uprightness ; to be above sus- 
picion of a want of integrity : to be just be- 
fore God and his fellows. The higher his 
sphere of action, the more he needs this breast- 
plate. The heavier his responsibilities as a 
soldier, a general, a commander, a President, 
the greater his need of being cased in steel 
armor, and especially that his breast be cov- 
ered with righteousness. He is bound by his 
oath to support the Constitution, and if he 
fails, he fails for want of righteousness. If 
you despise the Constitution, it is because you 
have not put on the breastplate of righteous- 
ness. When a distinguished man avowed his 



THE CnmSTIAN SOLDIER. 47 

motto to be, '• Constitutional or not," lie tore 
off the golden breastplate of righteousness, 
and put on that miserably false expediency 
"U'hich every true, live, brave Christian man 
tramples beneath his feet with scorn, when duty 
to God and his country calls him to stand. 
When Henry Clay said he would rather be 
right than be President of the United States, 
he spoke the words of a truly great soul. "We 
want a people clothed with righteousness, that 
they may make legislators and officers who fear 
God and hate covetou.^ness. But the people have 
forsaken God. What wide-spread corruption 
prevails ! What frauds have been practiced 
on tlie Government, on the poor soldiers, on 
the suffering country ! Righteousness exalteth 
a nation, but sin is our reproach just now. Let 
lis be just. Is it too late to ask that a sense 
of national equity shall be restored ? 

Tlie next step in a Christian soldier's outfit 
is peculiar — " your feet shod with the prepara- 
tion of the Gospel of peace." Going out to 
fight, and bound to resist unto blood, you 
must have the preparation of the Gospel of 
peace. You must fight as a Christian ; bravely 



48 THE YOUNG QUARTERMASTER. 

but not in anger ; you fight to uphold the 
right ; God commands you to be a good soldier, 
and to love your enemies ; to pray for them 
tliat persecute and would destroy you. We 
want this spirit now. If it is inconsistent with 
war, then war is wrong, because we know the 
Gospel is right, and the Gospel is good will to 
man. But it is right to make war in defence 
of government against rebels ; and the spirit 
of the Gospel must dwell in the heart and 
abound even in the midst of the fiercest con- 
tention. The best warriors have been Chris- 
tian soldiers. They feared God and no one 
else. 

They loved their enemies when justice re- 
quired them to execute vengeance. We are 
told by some of our Christian teachers that 
this is no time to talk of peace ; but Christ 
does not tell us so. We must cherish those 
feelings towards our enemies that will lead us 
to welcome with joy the first gleams of hope 
that tliey will return to their allegiance, and 
submit to the benign and wholesome govern- 
ment against which they have rebelled. This 
is the spirit of the Gospel : to hate the sin and 



TEE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER. 49 

pity the sinner. So God deals with us, and 
had he dealt with us on any other terms, we 
would have been to-day beyond the reach of 
mercy. 

Above all, take tlie shield of faith ; faith in 
the righteousness of the cause you uphold, faith 
in the wisdom, patriotism and courage of your 
leaders, and, above all, faith in God. Our 
faith is severely tested and tried just now. 
Men in whom we trusted shake in the storm. 
Corruption betrays itself where we hoped vir- 
tue only was enthroned. Our arms are not 
always successful and clouds return after the 
rain. Darkness, thick, impenetrable darkness 
veils the future. Has God in anger hid his 
face from us ? Is the Lord on our side ? Will 
he give us to be devoured by the enemy? 
Faith answers, " Hope thou in God, for I shall 
yet praise him who is the health of my counte- 
nance and my God." Beyond the reverses of 
the battlefield, and beyond the dark clouds 
that hide the face of the sun, and over the 
mountains of danger and suffering, and the riv- 
ers of tears and blood, and the groans of the 
dying, and the sobs of mourners, and the disas- 
5 



50 THE YOUNG QUARTERMASTER. 

ters of these long dreadful years of war, faith 
points to the rock of our refuge, our hiding 
place, our salvation ; faith assures us that He 
who has been with us in six troubles will not 
forsake us ; and that we shall yet stand on the 
mountains of peace, union and love, one happy 
people, whose God is the Lord. 

This we believe. For this we pray and for 
this we fight our battles. We want soldiers 
who understand what they are lighting for in 
this war which has grown to such gigantic di- 
mensions. We have not a doubt what is to be 
the issue. The eye of faith can pierce the sur- 
rounding darkness and see the end to which 
God is conducting us. 

We have readied out our hand, as a nation, 
to gather up the end in our fingers. But the 
end is not yet. God has higher purposes to 
answer than those which have been yet accom- 
plished. He has prepared the men and the 
means of accomplishment. Men have been put 
to the trial and they stand. They will stand, 
be the cost and the sacrifices wliat they may. 

The young Quartermaster was one of these. 



VI. 

pons tof iTii ^nl). 

How could my dearest brother walk 

If I were not beside him ? 
He miglit be trying, but you know, 

He needs a hand to guide him. 

Kneel down, dear child, kneel humbly down. 

Bow thy young head in meekness 
To Him, who with a Father's heart, 

Can pity all thy weakness. 

Ask for his spirit in thy heart. 

To help each weak endeavor, 
Ask him 'mid snares and sins and fears, 

To be thy strength forever. 

THE Quartermaster was said by those who 
knew him to have a noble manhood. It is 
believed that he was never guilty of a mean 
action. A friend said, after lie died, that 
he had a firm, strong character — a granite 
character. There is such a thing as strength 
forever, if we are strong in the Lord and in 
the power of his might. 

(51) 



52 THE YOUNG QUARTERMASTER. 

The whole armor of God includes the helmet 
of salvation. I wish to speak of this part of 
the armor for the benefit of om^ heroic soldiers, 
so as all the better to illustrate the character 
of the young Quartermaster, and the character 
of every one who is a true Christian soldier. 

What power, beauty, glory, indeed, are 
in the words of the Holy Spirit. In this de- 
scription of the whole armor of God, every 
phrase is significant, and brings out the idea 
with such celestial ring, that we recognize it 
as the very language of heaven. We have 
seen the Christian soldier standing with loins 
girt with TRUTH, having on the breastplate of 
RIGHTEOUSNESS, his fcct shod with the prepara- 
tion of the Gospel of peace, and the shield of 
FAITH on his arm. Now he puts on the lidmet 

of SALVATION. 

This is protection in the day of battle. Hel- 
mets are often made of steel, so that the stout- 
est warrior's sword smite them in vain. But 
the soldier of Christ must put on a helmet that 
is itself SALVATION. Such helmets we need 
now, for we are soldiers exposed, and more or 
less responsible for the issue of the great strug- 



THE GHBISTIAN SOLDIER. 53 

gle in which we are engaged. Our heads 
need protection and help. Nations as well as 
individuals sometimes seem to be deranged, 
mad on their idols, insensible to the dictates 
of reason, prudence and interest, while they 
recklessly pursue the impulses of passion. We 
have been too much governed by impulse, too 
little by judgment, too little by the fear of God. 
Our sins have been our folly and destruction. 
It is easy for the Governor of the nations to 
send confusion into our councils, but what we 
want is unity, foresight, and a sound mind. 
We look over the field, and ask imploringly, 
Who has the helmet of salvation ? 

For we have learned, and not too late we 
hope, that salvation is only from God, and 
this helmet is his favor, which is life, and his 
loving-kindness, which is better than life. It 
is an old time saying, " It is better to trust in 
the Lord than to put confidence in man," be- 
cause it is better to trust in the Lord than in 
generals or princes. God is a jealous God. 
Our people are not yet made to feel that salva- 
tion Cometh out of Zion. The Lord putteth 
down one and setteth up another. He may 



54 THE YOUNG QUARTERMASTER. 

bring- this war to an end in a way and by 
means that no human sagacity has yet antici- 
pated. We shall be saved not by the multi- 
tude of armed men, but by the God of hosts, 
who will fight our battles for us. In the name 
of God we will set up our banners. If one 
general dies, and another is removed, and anoth- 
er retires, we will still say Jehovah Jireh : the 
Lord will provide. He is able to save us, and 
besides Him there is no Saviour. 

There are thousands who regard such words 
as merely pious cant ; but if religion is not all 
a sham, this is the true doctrine for the hour. 
If tliere is an Almighty God who governs na- 
tions, ruling in the affairs of men, mindful of 
a sparrow's fall and a country's ruin, if that 
God is true to his word, and promises and 
character, if he will protect the right and in 
the end put down the wrong, then in that God 
is our only hope of salvation. 

We are approaching a period when a great 
change came in the religious experience of the 
young Quartermaster, and the means were well 
adapted to the end to be produced. 

Soon after the return of the two brothers 



THE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER. 55 

from the West, they found for themselves places 
of business in New York, which they entered 
upon with much zeal. In the January follow- 
ing, the younger brother took a violent cold, 
which could never be relieved, and which re- 
sulted in inflammation and abscess of the lungs, 
followed with profuse hemorrhage. He lay 
for days at the very gates of death. In the 
kind providence of God he was spared for the 
time, and came up slowly to enjoy a comfort- 
able degree of health for a period after- 
wards. 

But a great effect was produced upon 
both brothers, and the solemn warning was 
heeded. Both seemed resolved to put on the 
whole armor of God. It was no momentary 
impulse. The younger now became dependent 
upon the older brother in many ways, and well 
did the older brother repay the confidence that 
was reposed in him. 

They went into the same wholesale store over 
in New York, boarding at their father's house 
in Brooklyn. They were much together. The 
younger was always cheerful and happy, while 
he ever carried about with him a pale face, be- 



50 THE YOUH^G QUARTERMASTER. 

tokening to many tlie frailty of which he himself 
was not fully conscious. There was a great 
advance in spirituality in the case of both bro- 
thers about this time, but especially in the case of 
the younger. This change had its influence upon 
the older brother. The effect was marked and 
decided, though probably he was unconscious 
of it. 

Somewhat more than a year after the death 
of their mother, while they were absent at 
the West, and after their return home, came 
Harriette Foster, of Salem, Mass., into the 
family to take the place of the one whose loss 
was so great to them, and greater still to the 
little group of children which she left, by rea- 
son of their more tender age. This companion 
of the father, and this mother of the little chil- 
dren, whom she adopted as her own with all 
her heart, had much to do in forming, at this 
early day, the religious character of these older 
brothers. They were always happy in her 
society, and she it was wlio was mainly instru- 
mental of leading their hearts and minds into 
those higher forms of spiritual and deeply re- 
ligious faith, which ever characterized the last 



TEE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER. 57 

portions of their short lives. It was a constant 
lesson that we all have something to do in this 
world, to alleviate its sorrows and to add to its 
joys. These older sons were more or less im- 
pressed with the conviction that this is a life 
of labor. Duties to God, our fellow-beings, our 
country and to the poor around us, who are 
now with us, and of us, and whom we cannot 
afford to be without, grew to be matters of 
daily thought and purpose. Life was to be 
earnest, and duties were ever at hand to be done 
quickly. 

So we find Luther writing as follows : " There 
is a large field of work open before us — and 
for the Christian there is always work. For 
it has been said, ' The poor ye have always 
with you, but me ye have not always.' 

" The Christian life is full of effort— full of 
trial and full of joy. Effort and trial are al- 
ways turned into joy — if we live so near the 
Saviour that we can see his face. How few of 
us comprehend the Christian's perfect life. 
How few of us realize the joys of a life hid with 
Christ in God — of being led by the very hand 
of the Saviour. Yet tliis is the privilege of 



58 TEE YOUNG QUARTERMASTER. 

every one of us by simple faith in Jesus Christ. 
Shall we attain it ?" 

He had evidently put on the helmet of salva- 
tion. He had come to be prepared to make 
sacrifices when the call should come to make 
them. They were lying in store for him, and 
we shall see how God, by his grace, fitted him 
to meet them. 



vn. 

iilf lain mam- 

He heard his country's call to battle; 

He saw her banner wave ; 
He stood amid her loyal hosts, 

The bravest of the brave. 

On many a crimson battlefield 

He met the traitor foe, 
And well he taught his glittering sword 

To lay its victim low. 

T\ID the young Quartermaster take with him 
the main weapon ? Did he take the sword 
of the Spirit, which is the Word of God ? 

Since tlie war broke out there has been a 
great demand for good swords. Long before 
Christ came into the world, the Damascus 
sword'blades were famous. They were distin- 
guished for the toughness of their steel, taking 
an edge so keen as to sever instantly the lieavy 
iron spears that were opposed to them, or to 
cut, as by a flasli of fire, the most delicate gos- 
samer fabric floating in the air and offering no 

(59) 



60 ^^-^ YOVNG QUARTERMASTER. 

opposing weight to the blade. Such was the 
keenness of these celebrated weapons when the 
Holy Spirit, by the pen of Paul, pronounced 
the word of God to be sharper than any two- 
edged sword, piercing eyen to the dividing 
asunder of the soul and spirit, and of the joints 
and marrow. 

This is the sword the Christian soldier is 
charged to take. The Bible is the sword of 
the Spirit. The truth as it is in the Bible 
makes men free and good. This is the weapon 
for our war, and all war : the sword of the 
Spirit, ivhicli is the Woyrl of God. 

If all the Christians in our country had been 
armed with the Word of God, in their con- 
science as well as their hand, this war would 
never have been. The Word of God, if obeyed 
in its spirit or its letter, would have restrained 
the arm of rebellion, which struck at the heart 
of good government, and made war when the 
dictates of religious duty, of patriotism, of 
prudence and policy demanded only peace. 
All the circumstances that justify revolution 
were wanting when the South revolted, and all 
the facts that make rebellion sinful in the sight 



THE CEEISTIAN SOLDIER. gj 

of God existed in the highest sense and degree 
wlien the Synod of South Carolina promised 
the^ political government of that State the 
divine benediction if it would commit the high- 
est crime a people can commit, to rebel. If 
that Synod had taken the sword of the Spirit, 
which is the Word of God, it would have been 
compelled to say, "let every soul be subject to 
the higher lowers," rather than to whelm a 
continent in the blood and fire of horrid war. 
The South would not have made the war if its 
Christians had been all armed with the sword 
of the Spirit. 

And when we recall the fierce radical war of 
words which has raged in the North for thirty 
years, wliich has roused the rage and hate of 
the South, alienated the hearts of the people, 
clamored for disunion, denounced the Constitu- 
tion, and made a rebellion not only possible 
but popular in the whole Southern field, we are 
compelled to admit that if we at the North had 
all taken the sword of the Spirit which is the 
Word of God, we should now have a clear re- 
cord in the sight of God and man. If we ex- 
pect the divine favor in our great struggle, we 



^2 THE roma QVARTERMASTEn. 

must not hide our own sin, but confess it open- 
ly unto salvation. 

The ffreat la^Y of the Bible is the law of 
love It will make all men free and good, just 
so fast and far as it is permitted to operate on 
the hearts and lives of men. It would have 
made this war impossible if it had had its per- 
feet work, and it would now bring it to an 
honorable and happy close if it could reign m 
the hearts of all men North and South. 

The doctrine of the Bible secures m the end 
miiversal liberty, while it maintains order, de- 
fends the happiness of society, and requires 
rulers and ruled, masters and servants, legisla- 
tors and people, to bear and forbear to love 
one another, to do as they would be done by, 
and so without war or violent revolution, or 
the infringements of any right whatever, to 
make such social changes and reforms as are 
essential to the highest interests and best 
welfare of every soul, however humble or ob- 

s'^ure« 

^^ These are the victories of the Spirit. They 
are wrought by the power of the Word of God. 
They bring down our high thoughts and our vain 



THE CHRISTIAN SOLDim. gg 

imaginations : but they are the ultimate truths 
on which alone human government and society 
rtself must exist, or anarchy and license rei«-n. 
Iho prevalence of this sentiment will „,a\o 
peace in all the earth, and good will amonc 
men, and until the doctrine of human riglits as 
vindicated by the sword of the Spirit is ac- 
knowledg-ed, there will be wars. 

When Luther's maternal grandfather was 
drawing near the close of life, having a large 
family of children and grandchildren, he sent 
to New York and purchased from the American 
Bible Society a Bible for each and every one. 
When these Bibles were given away, the gift 
was accompanied with tlie request, in each 
case, that they should be read every day with 
earnest prayer that God would make them 
a blessing to the soul. This daily reading was 
to be kept up until the books were entirelv 
worn out. ^ 

Lnther received his Bible, as did others, and 
It is believed he observed the injunction with 
which It was given. When he went to the 
war he took with him the sword of the Spirit 
which is the Word of God. * 



a^ THE YOimG QUARTERMASTER. 

His first entrance upon military life was as 
Paymaster of the Twenty-Sixth New York, un- 
der tlie old regime, when the regiments were 
paid by the Paymasters commissioned by the 
Governor of the State. He had achieved a 
character for honesty, talent and promptness m 
business matters, and though he was a poor 
young man in this workVs goods, he had no 
difficulty in procuring the required bonds, and 
with a letter from a well-known city merchant, 
whose praise is in the churches, as well as in 
boards of trade, he went to Albany, where he 
procured his commission, and proceeded at once 
to his regiment, then already at the seat of 

war. 

When that system of payment was supersed- 
ed he returned home, having been but a few 
weeks in service. Short as was the time he 
was with the regiment, he ingi^atiated himself 
into the favor of the officers and men, and 
brought away with Mm expressions of the ap- 
probation of all. 



VIII. 

The outward eye with pleasure views the scene. 
And memory's storehouse treasures every part'; 

But mental visions ever come between, 
And paint a fairer picture on the heart. 

Speed on, ye lagging days, my heart's desire ' 
When joyous welcome I with joy may claim • 

And to my ears shall sound that pleasant choir 
When loved ones' voices speak a loved one's name. 

And as my eager thoughts thus wander far, 
To find one spot, dearest on earth to me • ' 

From whence the home light glimmers like a star 
lo guide my footsteps, where I fain would be. 

A NEW blow awaited liiin. It was the death 
^ of his younger brother William, the only 
other son of his own blessed mother. To sJiow 
the influence of this event upon him I must in- 
troduce the account whicli was published in one 
of the religious papers of the city soon after it 
transpired. 

On Friday, April 4th, 1862, at ten min- 
utes before two, P. M., William Perry Bing- 

6^ (G5J 



gg THE YOUNG QUARTERMASTER. 

gham, a member of the Collegiate Reformed 
Dutch Church, of this city, departed this life. 
He was twenty-two years and eight months old 
at the time of his death. He was hopefully 
converted when he was not yet twelve years 
old, and made a public profession of religion 
when he was about thirteen years old, in Brook- 
lyn, and afterward removed his church relation 
to the Collegiate Reformed Dutch Church, with 
other members of the family. 

He wrote out the form of a covenant with 
Jesus, after the manner of Doddridge, and after 
solemn prayer signed it. In this covenant he 
gave himself away, without condition or reserve, 
to Jesus, to be his for ever, to deny himself to 
all sin, and to be dead to it, and alive unto 
Christ, in all the ways of holy obedience. His 
life was one of constant activity in the service 
of his Divine Master. He did much, by per- 
sonal conversation and an extensive corres- 
pondence, to lead others into the grace in which 
he stood. He seemed to be abundantly taught 
of the Spirit. He used what he learned of the 
way of faith in Jesus to great advantage, in 
conversing with impenitent sinners, in leading 



THE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER. 



67 



them to apprehend Christ as the way, the truth, 
and the life. . 

He read with delight the Word of God, and 
made it liis constant study. 

He took, also, great pleasure in reading any- 
thing and everything on his favorite theme- 
full assurance of faith in Christ. 

His views were remarkable for their clearness 
on this great doctrine, and he did not mix it up 
with other things. There was never a cloud 
nor a shadow between him and Jesus. He 
lived with him, and spread out all his wants 
before him in childlike confidence that all 
all needed supplies would be granted. His will 
seemed to be completely swallowed up in the 
will of God. He was perfectly satisfied with 
what God bestowed and what he withheld. 

One day his father said to him, " Suppose it 
were left to you to say whether you should lie 
upon this sick bed, or should rise from it and 
recover, what would you say ?" 

" I cannot suppose any such thing," he quickly 
responded ; " I want God to do with me just as 
he pleases.*' 

The closing scenes of liis life were peculiarly 



gg THE YOUNG QUARTERMASTER. 

touching, as illustrating the power of Divine 
grace. He said to his father one day : 

'- I wonder who will be the first to tell me 
when I am dying T 

His father inquired, " Do you wish to be told 
when you are dying T 

" Most certainly I do. I wish to know it." 

" Willie, do you feel sure that Christ will 
never leave nor forsake you ?" 

" I know he never will." 

" What makes you say so V^ 

" Why," he answered, " there is my covenant, 
which I entered into with him. He will never 
break it ; and will never let me break it. But 
I shall be kept by tlie power of God through 
faith unto salvation." 

One day his father commenced repeating the 
23d Psalm, '' The Lord is my shepherd," and 
then he stopped and inquired : 

" Willie, is the Lord your shepherd ?" 

" Most certainly he is," he answered with a 
joyful and pleased expression of countenance. 

When parting from any Christian friends, he 
would most commonly ask them to promise to 
meet him in heaven i and when they would an- 



THE CHRIS TUN SOLDIER. q9 

swer, " We hope we shall meet you in heaven," 
he would quickly respond. 

" Do not say hope, say you will. Do you not 
hmno you will V 

When he was struck witli death, he felt the 
blow, and sent for his father, saying, " Call 
father." When his father entered, he said, 
*' Father, what is this ?" 

His father answered " This is death, Willie, 
you have but a little time to stay." 

He looked up, with a smile playing all over 
his face, and exclaimed, " Oh ! good !" After 
lying a moment, he said " Father, are vou 
Bure ?" 

The father answered, " There can be no doubt 
about it, Willie ; you are really dying." Then 
he said, " Call the family." 

The family came in one after another. His 
manner was affectingly tender and loving. He 
reached out his hand and grasped his father's, 
holding on to it for some time. His father 
said, 

'' Have you anything to say to father, Wil- 
lie ?" 
'• Yes, father, live near to Jesus." 



70 THi: TOUNG QUARTERMASTER. 

" Where is Bridget ?" — the domestic in the 
family, who had been very kind to him — 
" where is Bridget T he repeated. She came 
to the side of, the bed, and took the hand which 
he reached out to her. 

" Bridget, I want you to be a Christian, and 
meet me in heaven.^' 

She answered, " I will try,^' her voice drown- 
ed in sobs and tears. 

" Bridget, I want you to understand what it 
is to be a Christian.'^ 

Then lying a few moments, he said in tones 
of indescribable tenderness and affection : 

" Bridget, father will tell you what it is to be 
a Christian. I cannot.^^ 

He undoubtedly referred to his weakness of 
body. 

His father said to liim, " You will be in 
heaven in a little while, Willie." 

" Yes,'^ he answered, " I hope so,'^ 

His sister said, " You will be glad to go, will 
you not !'' 

" Yes, indeed, I will," he replied. " Your bro- 
ther will soon be gone. But where is he going ? 
Home, where there is no more pain nor suffer- 



THE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER. 



71 



ing. And you will come too, pi-etty soon. Do 
not cry, dear ; I would like to .talk more about 
dying, if it did not distress my friends so mucli, 
I want to go. Do you blame me T 

His sister answered, " No." He said, " You 
sometimes pray for me, sister." 

" Yes," she answered, 

" What do you pray for ?" She did not an- 
swer. He added : 

'' You must pray for patience to wait God's 
time." She said : 

" I think you are patient." 

" No, not thoroughly," he replied. 

After lying awhile, he roused again, and 
spoke in a strong, clear, natural voice. 

Then he called for a member of the family 
who is not a Christian, and reached out his 
hand as if he expected it to be taken. " Tell 
him to meet me in heaven." 

'' Any message for your mother lying ill in 
the second story ?" « Tell her," said he, " that 
I loved her to the very last." This was his 
dying message for one who was not his own 
mother, but to whom he was most tenderly at- 
tached as a mother. 



72 TEE YOVNG QTFAnTERMASTER. 

He sent messages to various other individuals, 
and when he had finished all, after lying a few 
minutes, he said, " Good-bye,'' and in a little 
time he was gone, and a smile was on his face 
for hours. 

The next day after this death, Luther wrote 
to a dear friend in regard to his brother's death 
as follows : 

" This morning I got the letter I told you 
Willie seemed to be expecting. I have opened it 
and shall answer it. It is a very good note, but 
came just a little too late. I could not help 
wishing that he had seen it, but, perliaps, he 
knows its contents now. 

" I went up in the parlor after breakfast, 
where he lay, and looked at him. His eyes have 
partly opened, but still he looks sweetly. I 
dropped upon one knee, rested my arms and 
head upon his body. Oh ! M — -, as my hand 
rested upon that cold, clayey tenement of earth, 
and I gazed upon those peaceful features, I 
thought of the spirit that had taken its flight 
and left its weary casement to crumble into 
dust — of the bright influence of liis example 
while with us — of the Christian counsel which 



THE CHRISTIAN SOLDIEH. ^3 

lie had givcn-of all the numerous ways in 
which he had done good unto others, and tliere- 
bj was like the Great Master— and while I 
looked and thought, it seemed a pleasure to 
stay there. It seemed as if lie was lookincr 
down upon me, and I could not help, beside that 
cold and lifeless form, to breath a prayer for 
you and me. I did so, 

" I am writing in this room of his— tliis room 
that has seen so much of pain and sufferino-, 
grief and sorrow, and so much of joy and tri- 
umphant confiding hope and trust-^this room 
that witnessed so much of prayer-so much of 
oye to tlie Sayiour, and so much of a Saviour's 
loye to him-and so much and such testimony 
lor Jesus. "^ 

;' But it is all oyer now. The pain and an- 
gmsh, iliQ prayers and testimony, are all oyer 
Among the blood-washed throng, with those 
who haye gone before, joy unspeakable and 
lull of glory surrounds him. No more sighin- 
^0 more weary days and nights, but eyerlast 
mg antliems and cloudless eternal day. 

" Oh ! my dear M , may such a death be 



Y4 THE YOUNG QUARTERMASTER. 

Whoever follows the young Quartermaster 
from this time onward to the close of his own 
life will see that this event was clothed with 
amazing power and exerted an influence upon 
him for^'good up to the very last hour. 



IX. 



^ f igljt ill tlrt mmabs. 

There's a light in the window for thee, brother. 
There's a light in the window for thee ; 

A dear one has moved to the mansions above, 
There's a light in the window for thee. 

Chorus — A mansion in heaven we see, 

And a light in the window for thee. 

There's a crown, and a robe and a palm, brother. 
When from toil and from care you are free ; 

The Saviour has gone to prepare you a home. 
With a light in the window for thee. 

r\ OD often plants lights along our patliways, 
^ He sometimes removes tliem, that by their 
removal they may be a greater cause of illumi- 
nation. 

From the time that dear Willie died, we were 
often in the habit of singing this beautiful 
Sabbath-School hymn, at our evening family 
worship. We had a little band of singers 
who could carry all the parts of such a liymn, 

Cr5) 



76 THE YOUNG QUAETEBMASTER. 

and who could enter into the sentiments ex- 
pressed. Luther had a strong, fine natural 
voice, and he would join in tliis singing with 
great animation. He was particularly fond of 
this hymn as especially adapted to his own case. 
He regarded dear Willie's life — faith, pa- 
tience, self abnegation, and love of the happi- 
ness and welfare of others as lights — to illumi- 
nate his pathway. We cannot tell how much 
influence this had in strengthening the exercise 
of those principles which governed his after 
conduct. His was not an accidental character, 
being what it was because it could not be worse. 
But the grace of God made it what it was, 
through the means which his own holy provi- 
dence appointed. The Quartermaster had all 
the elements in his nature to contend against 
that any other young man has. He was by 
nature no better than others. And he always 
felt that he owed everything to the good favor 
of a Heavenly Benefactor. Under other influ- 
ences, we cannot now tell what he would have 
been — -but we know that he needed just such 
influences as those which were brought to bear 
upon him, to make him what he was. 



THE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER. ^n 

He saw life in new aspects, as one after 
another of his tried and trusted sources of en- 
joyment were taken away. And wlien the pil- 
g-rimage of the dear, meekly suffering child, 
next to him in age, was ended, he seemed to 
tliink less of life than ever— nothing of life as 
an end— mucli of life as a means to an infinitely 
higher end. Life was clothed with a sublime 
im[)ortance as contributing to the welfare of the 
life to come. 

The young Quartermaster took no sombre 
view of human life. His religion did not make 
him melanclioly or misanthropic. No ! Not at 
all. Never a young man had more to enjoy than 
he, and lie was always full of enjoyment. His 
highest happiness was to see others around him 
happy. 

I remember once expressing sad and sorrow- 
ful feelings, that such a beautiful light had 
gone out of our family when his dear brother 
died. I felt the loss deeply. 

" Oh ! fatlier !" said Luther, " you should not 

feel that Willie's death is any loss. We should 

rejoice, not mourn. His death was such a joy 

to him that we should not be sorrowful about 

7* 



78 THE TOUNG QUARTERMASTER, 

it. Besides, his death will be a power upon us, 
greater than the power of his wonderful faith 
wliile living. I am alone now, and I shall miss 
Willie, for we have always roomed together 
till near the last. But I am glad there is no 
more pain, no more panting for breath ! I am 
glad he is now in possession of all he so longed 
for. I do not feel that dear Willie is gone. I 
think his happy spirit may be hovering near. 
And it may be that he may be allowed to min- 
ister to us as effectually as before. How 
do we know ? At any rate he has left a light 
for me. And I intend to find my way by it." 

The influence which Willie had exerted was 
a sweet, blessed influence. It was not the influ- 
ence of the pale, sick, suffering boy, but it was 
the influence of the happy, joyful, self-denying 
and advanced Christian. 

Often have men looked around, surprised, in 
a prayer-meeting, and gazed at the pale face of 
the one who was speaking of such rich experi- 
ences of a Saviour's love, in such blessed as- 
surance tliat all his hopes in Christ Jesus would 
be soon realized. 

Lutlier knew that his brother William's re- 




A. MANSION IN HEAVEN I SEE, 

AIN) A LIGHT IN THE WINDOW FOP. "ME" 



Pa?e 71 



THE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER. 



79 



ligion was not a sham, was not put on, was not 
a dehmon or hallucination, was not mysticism, 
was not impression or fanaticism. It was Wil- 
lie's privilege to have an experience which no 
Ituman pliilosophy could explain, and whicli 
was above all philosophy. He sought earnestly 
to have the same experience, with what success 
we shall see. 

Oh ! watch and be foithful and praj, brother, 
All your journey o'er life's troubled sea ; 

Though afflictions assail you, and storms be severe, 
There's a light in the window for thee. 

Then on, perseveringly on, brother, 

Till from conflict and suffering free- 
Bright angels now beckon you over the stream, 
There's a light in the window for thee. 
Chorus— A mansion in heaven we see, 

And a light in the window for thee. 



X. 



Great God! create my heart anew, 
And form mv spirit pure and true ; 
No outward rites can make me clean, 
The leprosy lies deep within. 

No bleeding bird, nor bleeding beast, 
Nor hyssop branch, nor sprinkling priest, 
No running brook, nor flood, nor sea, 
Can wash the dismal stain away. 

Jesus, my God ! thy blood alone 
Hath power sutficient to atone. 
Thy blood can make me white as snow — 
No Jewish types could cleanse me so. 

T TOOK up from my table at wliicli I am writ- 
-■- ing, Luther M. Bingham's book of psalms 
and hymns, and opening to the words above, I 
was reminded of what I liave often heard him 
say — calling the Christian life a conflict with 
evil — within and without — believing in no cure 

(80) 



THE CHEISTIAN SOLDIER. gj 

but by the grace of God through Jesus 
Clirist. 

While he lield most firmly to all the great 
doctrines of Protestant Christianity, as revealed 
in the Bible, he placed no reliance upon mere 
forms or professions of religion. Names, and 
creeds, and confessions of religious faith, had 
little weight with him. He had great respect 
to religion, where it appeared in the life and 
conduct, and very little regard to the outward 
profession of it. No sprinkling priest could 
reach the malady in him. He wanted nothing 
to do with shadows of religious faith. He 
sought after the substance. 

He loved that kind of preaching which makes 
men dissatisfied with what they are, and makes 
them desire to become what they ought to be. 
He loved to see Christians make thorough work 
of performing religious duty. Not that he 
had no preferences where to have his religious 
home. He had, and he firmly adhered To it. 
For example, when all the farailv were about 
to remove their relation from the Presbyterian 
Church to the Reformed Dutch Church, on ac- 
count of the father's connection with that church, 



82 THE YOUNG QUARTERMASTER. 

he preferred to remain where he was, because 
his duties were more intimately connected with 
that church. 

His affection for the Christian men in his 
regiment ilhistrates this marked trait in liis 
character — his love for the poorest of the flock 
of the Good Shepherd. All who knew him in 
the South knew how his heart beat in sympa- 
thy with these men — these men — not so much 
because they had been slaves — down-trodden 
and outcast — much as his noble nature dis- 
dained oppression — but these men, because he 
felt in his inmost soul that they bore the image 
of Christ. He loved them, imperfect as they 
miglit be ; and those who knew him best at the 
North have not a shadow of doubt that the 
Great Master has said to him ; as he will say to 
all who do like him : Inasmuch as ye did it 
unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye 
did it unto me. 

He could not be easily imposed upon. Sol- 
emn sounds upon thoughtless tongues had no 
weight with him. 

He writes : " I have been out at camp in the 
open air for more than an hour this evening, sing- 



THE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER. §3 

ing ' Marching Along ' with two companies of 
the men, some of them being very anxious to 
learn the tune and the words ; and they learn 
them quite readily. 

" In each company they were having a prayer- 
meeting, and I heard some real earnest pray- 
ers — childlike and simple, but, I have no doubt, 
reaching the ear of God just as readily as 
prayers that are better expressed." 

Again he writes : " This evening I have at- 
tended a little prayer-meeting, held and con- 
ducted by the colored men themselves, in a tent 
which was put up by our Chaplain to be used 
as a school-house for the men of the reo'iment. 
The Cliaplain invited them to hold a meeting 
there and in their own way. It was delightful 
to be present. Such simple, implicit faith in 
Jesus, such earnest-hearted appeals to God — • 
tliey put to shame my poor, weak faith. I felt 
that I have not yet learned to pray. 

"I wish that I could picture this meeting 
so that 3"ou could see it as it was. But I can- 
not do it. One of them in prayer addressed God 
in nearly this language : 

" ' Dear Captain,— you know where I was a 



g4 THE YOUNG QUARTERMASTER. 

year ago, and you know what you promised 
me then. Here, to-night, I bind you to your 
promise, I hold you to your word.' 

" In closing, the leader said, ' You see these 
candles here ; the Lord expects us to hold His 
candles in this camp, and make it a religions 
camp.' 

" Such was the earnest and simple language 
of these down-trodden men. It is needless to 
say I enjoyed all very much. It was like an 
April shower to my dry and thirsty soul. I 
feel that the day has not passed in vain, but 
that I have received some good from it. I 
thank God for it." 

This illustrates the susceptibility of the 
young Quartermaster's heart and mind, and 
their readiness to receive impressions from the 
simple exhibition of religious faith by these 
dusky men. And tliose who know how strong 
were his emotions could apprcliend that he felt 
much more than he lias attempted to express. 



XL 

|nt0 tire Jirma a Su0ttir ®im,e, 

TTIS first experience in the army ended when 
-^^ his office as Regimental Paymaster ceased, 
after a few weeks' service. 

After his return from Newbern, N. C, where 
he spent several months in the employ of a 
New York mercantile house, his instant in- 
quiry was into what regiment he should enlist. 
I endeavored to persuade him that perhaps it 
was not his duty to go — that great numbers 
were going, and there were no special reasons 
why he should enlist at present. I shall never 
forget the look he gave me. " Father, I am 
ashamed to walk these streets when I know I 
ought to go. It ism?/ duty, and 1 must go." 
All objections vanished. 

When he bade us good-bye, and kissed all at 
parting, and passed down the steps of the 

8 (85) 



86 THE YOUKG QUARTERMASTER, 

house, I felt that he never would come up those 
steps again. 

He had some conflicts about where to enlist. 
At length he enlisted as a private in the 23d 
N. Y. N, G,, and soon was transferred to the 
1st Regiment S. C. Y., and proceeded at once 
to Port Royal, 

Soon after he wrote as follows : " The Colo- 
nel and others make a great deal of sport of 
me for being orthodox, and almost scold me for 
reading the Neiv Yorh Observer. They were 
going on with their sarcasm at the dinner 
table the other day, when I got up to go and 
see to my teams. While I was out the Colonel 
said, that if reading the New ITorh Observer 
made such a good quartermaster, they had bet- 
ter subscribe for it for another six months. I had 
told liim that I had only taken it for about six 
months ; and that during that time, I had not 
seen anything very strongly pro-slavery in it. 
He dislikes the paper very much, and everything 
orthodox full as much. Most of the field and 
staff being Unitarians, you can imagine that I 
have to breast quite a current, to stand up for 
my side of the question. The Colonel docs 



THE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER. 87 

not give slight cuts, by any means, and especi- 
ally when I take any prominent part, like start- 
ing a Sunday-scliool at Jacksonville. I had to 
take it then. I could be quiet and say and 
do nothing for Christ, and all would go well. 
But that, the grace of God helping me, I ivill 
not dor 

These extracts illustrate his determination 
to let his principles shine, be the consequences 
what tliey might. 

'' Now that I am here, I shall try and do my 
duty and leave the consequences with God. 
And Avill you not pray for me, that I may have 
wisdom, courage and faith given me from 
above, that I may not slnin danger when it is 
my duty to face it, or compromise my own 
manhood, or the religion which I profess, for 
the sake of saving my life. I may yet be 
placed in great danger, and subjected to se- 
vere tests. I need your prayers. 

" I will try and keep my opinions to myself 
when it will do no good to speak tliem. But I 
never mean to hold any principles that I am 
asliamed of, or am afraid to express, when the 
occasion calls for it." 



33 THE YOUNG QUARTERMASTER. 

Speaking of the yellow fever and General 
Mitchell's death, he says : 

" I have not felt any alarm on account of 
myself. I feel that I am in God's hands, and 
whatever is his will in regard to me, I ought 
to be willing to abide by." 

7ind he was willing. He never hesitated a 
moment at anything which he thought was the 
will of God. 



XII. 

^nbbatlj-Stlroal— |iitrii)t>.sm— Lstfulness. 

Go, gather them in from the tenement house, 

And the merchant's stately palace — 
From the world's dark strife, and the heavenly life, 

Lut them drink from the golden chalice. 

'Tis the Master's work ! there is none so low- 
But his loving hand may reach them, 

And there's none so sunken in want and wo 
But we'll joy to help and teach them. 

THE young Quartermaster loved his country 
— loved to be useful — and cared for the 
•welfare of others. He writes : 

'• I love to feel that I, even I, may be of some 
use in this great world ; and that I may be the 
means in the Saviour's hand of making some 
happier by my having lived. I would love to 
be the means of doing some good to the poor, 
and to those whose pathway in life is dark and 
dreary. I would throw a ray of light upon that 
path and make it brighter, so that wlien I am 

8* (89) 



90 THE YOUNG QUARTERMASTER. 

laid away beneath the sod, some may drop a 
tear upon my grave and say, 'he was my 
friend.' " 

He called the Mission Sabbath-school his 
Sabbath home, and for the last five years was 
connected with one. 

In writing to one he dearly loved, he said : 

" I always pray for you. I want to see you 
an earnest Christian woman. I know you are a 
Christian, but vital Christianity is progressive, 
and, day by day, we ought to grow better. I 
would not have you a noisy, bustling Chris- 
tio.n, working in the vineyard of Christ only 
for the praises of men. I desire you to have 
that piety that worketh by love and casteth out 
fear — that earnest, quiet piety that is always 
ready to do good to others — if it is only to 
give a cup of cold water in the name and for 
the sake of Christ — that piety which day by 
day does something to make this world better 
and brighter — that takes some one by the 
hand, and not only to point, but lead to the 
Cross of Christ. Such I want to be as a man. 

" How can we be such ? Follow the example 
of Christ the great Teacher. Make his words, 



THE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER. 91 

his life, liis character, a study. Ask for the 
right spirit. For we have Wxa promise which 
is sure, ' Ask and ye shall receive.' 

" Oh ! let us clasp hands together, in life, ever 
keeping our eyes upon the ' delectable moun- 
tains.' Let life's earnest, noble work be ours. 
Then, be it longer or shorter, we shall meet on 
Canaan's happy shore. 

" With divine help, I shall do nothing I would 
be unwilling to tell you of if it were necessary. 
I do not want to come home corrupted. Pray 
for me that I may be kept. I do not feel that 
this is to cost me my life, yet it may. When 
I shall come home I do not know. But it will 
be just Avhen God sees best. I want to do 
what shall be most for his honor and glory. 
Yet how far I fail of doing what I miglit ! 

" We ought to live at all times so that we 
shall be prepared for death, and look forward 
to it with a bright hope and with cheerful 
liearts. But do not let us die before our 
Heavenly Father sends for us. And above 
all, let not death be a gloomy subject of con- 
templation to us. I am almost daily in the 
presence of death — liable at any moment to bo 



92 THE YOUNG QUARTERMASTER. 

cut off— perhaps this vor}^ night I may be 
killed by a shell from the enemy's guns. Yet 
I clo not feel gloomy about it. I know if I am 
called to go, tliat tlirough the infinite love of 
the Saviour, it is all right with me. And if it 
be my Fatiier's will to take me— well and good 
— I am ready to go. I want you to be prepared 
for death at any moment. But let it not weigh 
on your mind to make you sad and gloomy. It 
is all bright beyond, and flowers there shall 
ever bloom. 

"I heartily wish this war was over ; and yet 
witli all that I wish, I would not have it end 
until we can have a permanent and just peace." 

Just before landing at Jacksonville, Florida, 
he wrote : 

" I know not wliat may happen to me in a 
few short hours. I shall try and do my duty. 
I do hope I sliall not be a coward. I know 
not that I shall ever see you again. Such may 
be the case— that I may never— though I do 
not expect it, for I feel that I am to go home 
to spend a happy, useful life." 

He writes fi'om Jacksonville, Florida : 

"After dinner, i\\Q Assistant Surgeon and 



THE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER. 93 

myself inspected the churches — found some very 
pretty ones. I did not see why we could not 
liave a Sunday-school, as tliere are from three 
hundred to five hundred people here, and quite 
a quantity of children. I met a bright-eyed 
little girl and asked her if she went to Sunday- 
school. She said they had one in the Catholic 
church. I told her that we should have one in 
the Presbyterian cliurch, and I wanted her to 
tell every one she knew. A woman, hearing 
the conversation, asked if I would take boys 
too. I told her yes, boys and girls. So you 
see I may have a Sunday-school here before 
long." 



XIII. 

J^HE young Quartermaster was eminently a 
man of prayer. We know from liis oVn 
testimony that this duty was never neglected. 
He knew that in his religious views he shared 
not m the sympathy of his fellow officers. It 
was no doubt a hard thing for him to stand up 
for a faith which they nearly all denied. He 
was but a mere boy compared with most of 
them. They were men of education and tal- 
ent and scholarly attainments, and he liad them 
not. His faith in Jesus was very unpopular 
perhaps, and a different faith prevailed. Yet 
he goes bravely forward in his. Little things 
will betray the spirit of the young man. He 
writes : 

"A day of rest. Shall I tell you how 
this day has passed with me? This mornino- 
there was no service of any kind, and I spen't 
(94) ^ 



THE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER. 95 

most of the time in reading and singing some 
of our old familiar hymns. This afternoon I 
read a part of that little book, entitled ' It is 
I.' We also had religious service by our Chap- 
lain. I led the singing. I was very much in- 
terested in the apparent earnestness with wiiicli 
most of the men seemed to enter into the spirit 
of the remarks, wiiich were made to them; and 
they would manifest this interest in various 
w^ays — such as nodding the head, or some ex- 
clamation, that would show what they felt. 

" There was no word of Christ in it, or what 
he has done that we might be saved, in the 
sermon. 

" Oh ! what is religion good for, that has in it 
no Saviour for just such lost creatures as we 
are. My faith, my hope, is fixed on Christ. 

Christ, of all ni}^ hope the ground, 
Christ, the spring of all ray joy a; 

Still in thee let rae be found, 

Still for thee my powers employ.' 

" Oh ! Let US cherish the love of Christ in 
our hearts ' for he first loved us.' " 

Many a young man has made shipwreck of 



96 THE YOUNG QUARTERMASTER. 

liis faith — placed in such circumstances — and 
made shipwreck of himself. God was carrying* 
him througli trials to a crown of glory that 
fadeth not away. He was to fight the good 
fight of faith that he might lay hold on eter- 
nal life. 

Writing from Jacksonville, he says : 

" The quiet stillness of a New England Sab- 
hath broods over this little place to-night. It 
has been my second Sabbath here, and I have 
enjoyed it very much. 

" This morning. Rev. Mr. French, as Chap- 
lain of General Saxton's staff, preached for 
the Connecticut 6th, a very plain, practical 
and good sermon. It cut every way, right 
and left. The house was full. Some of our 
colored soldiers were there. The organ was 
tuned up. They had a good choir, and every- 
thing went off nicely 

" Then to-day we have started our Sabbath- 
school. We found the keys to the Presbyterian 
Church, opened it and saw at once that it was 
just what was wanted. Had a notice read at 
the morning service. There was some half 
dozen teachers from the 6th Connecticut ready. 



THE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER. 97 

One of them went out and picked up his class. 
Opened the school with singing and prayer. 
While I was reading part of a cliapter, the 
Colonel sent for me, saying, that the steamer 
Gen. Meigs was in, and he wanted me at the 
wliarf immediately. So I had to excuse my- 
self and go. I think that after a while wo 
shall have a good school here. The steamer 
brought part of the 8 th Maine. My next duty 
was to find quarters and assign them to the 
regiment. So I had the saddle put on '* Beauty" 
and worked for two hours, giving them teams, 
and getting them in quarters. Quite a jump 
from the Sunday-school to the saddle. 

" Do not worry about me. I shall be taken 
care of. Only think of me, and pray for me, 
that I may be a true man and a true Chris- 
tian. Oh ! I do want to be a true and good 
man, but how sadly I fail. Pray for me that 
I may be true to duty, and always ready — that 
I may never fear to face danger when it is my 
duty to face it. I liave never yet been under 
fire. I do not want to prove a coward, and 
yet I am afraid I sliall. T shall go into it, real- 
izing all the importance and danger of my 
9 



98 THE YOVNG QUARTERMASTER. 

position ; and I shall trust in strength other 
than my own. I shall do ray duty. That is 
all I ask. I do not believe in that kind of 
loud bravery, that can laugh and joke and 
swear on the verge of death and the grave — 
with no comprehension of the importance of 
the position. It is simple brute force and fool- 
hardiness : and the man is generally a coward 
that does it. But when a man can fully ap- 
predate all the danger and importance of his 
position, and can then face danger and do his 
duty, I call him a hrave manP 

His mind seemed to be ever inquiring into 
what way he could do any good, and how his 
life could be a benefit to others. He was no 
coward, no poltroon, no laggart, always behind 
time, no drone in the busy hive, no shirk, shrink- 
ing from responsibility. 



XIV. 

We may not sunder the veil apart, 

That hides from the vision the gates of day ; 

We only know that their barks no more 
May sail with us o'er life's stormy sea. 

Yet somewhere I know on the unseen shore 
They watch and beckon and wait for me. 

WE know but little of those holy ministries 
which wait on us, to aid us under trial, to 
help our infirmities, to give us strength when 
we are weak, and to give us courage when we 
are ready to faint. Such ministries there are, 
no doubt, though we know little of them. We, 
perhaps, should know more, if we looked more 
for them. Enough is taught us in the Bible to 
banish our doubts and to keep us from waver- 
ing. 

I believe the young Quartermaster was often 
held up by unseen hands, and cheered by voices 
which no mortal lips uttered. I cannot tell 

(99) 



100 'i'HE YOUN-Q QUARTER MASTEE. 

how they came or whence, nor how they moved 
him with a power unseen. I have no philosophy 
on tlie subject. I cannot reason upon it. When 
I attempt it, I am lost. I cannot proceed. When 
he was written to, asking to know what he 
thought upon it, he replied, " You ask me what 
I think in regard to the remark that our friends, 
when removed by death, watch over us from 
tlieir home on high. I do not know how far 
they may be allowed intercourse with us here, 
or how much they are allowed to influence us. 
But this I do believe, that they do know some- 
thing of us, and are brought somewhat in con- 
tact with us." * Are they not all ministering 
spirits, sent to minister to those who shall be 
heirs of salvation V I have felt Willie's influ- 
ence around me very often ; or, perhaps, not 
so much his influence as his presence hovering 
round me. You know I told you of this fact 
in that storm off Hatteras, on board the Julius 
Webb. Even while I write I seem to feel his 
presence near me. It seems as if he was watch- 
ing and waiting to welcome me. I expect to 
meet him first on that other shore, unless you 
should go before me. I do not suppose the 



THE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER. 1 Q 1 

knowledge of our Avickedness and sin affects 
tliem in that world in any way ; if, indeed, they 
arc permitted to know anything in regard to 
it. For it is impossible for a shade of sorrow 
to enter iieaven. To me it is a beautiful thought 
to think they watch and wait for us. It makes 
life more beautiful, and brings heaven very 
near. It is like my going home. I stay here 
in this war for a time ; and while here enjoy it. 
But I am continually looking forward to the 
time when I shall go home and meet those who 
are near and dear, who are gathered there. So 
with life ; we stay here for a time, and while 
here, enjoy all that the provident hand of a 
Bountiful Father has provided for the good of 
his children. But yet we are still looking for- 
ward with joy to tliat time when we shall go 
to our heavenly home to meet Jesus and the 
dear ones gone before, — those who have passed 
to the further side, pressing towards the mark 
for the prize of the high calling of God in 
Christ Jesus." 

In the storm off Hatteras to which he refers, 
in an awful gale, when it was expected, by all 
on board that they must perish, Luther always 
9^ 



102 THE YOUNG QUARTERMASTER. 

insisted tliat he saw his brother Willie hover- 
ing near him in the tempest. He saw him, not 
as he supposed, with his bodily eyes, yet the 
vision was as distinct as if it had been with 
his bodily eyes. 

I have talked witli those who were with him 
in tliat terrific tempest, and they have spoken 
of his perfect calmness, when death seemed 
inevitable. When the gale had somewhat sub- 
sided, he asked the Captain if they might have 
prayers in the cabin. Consent was readily 
given. He called for a Bible, and called all 
on board to prayer, and all that could joined 
him in the cabin. His prayer was spoken of 
as beautiful and impressive, and remarkable 
for one of his years. 



I 



XV. 

SistKlE §.ttntti0tts. 

HAVE said that tlioiigli no sister was nigh 

the young Quartermaster, in his sickness, he 
did not fail to have sisterly attentions. These 
were bestowed, perhaps, by more than one, but 
by one, in an especial manner. He one day 
found at the house of the General Superintendent 
of Contrabands, a young lady who had come 
out from Vermont a few months before his sick- 
ness, a young lady who was the daughter of a 
cousin of his father, who, of course, was a 
cousin of his own. She was a cultivated, 
educated young lady, and was residing in the 
family of her uncle, engaged as a teacher of 
colored children. 

In his letters home he often expressed great 
satisfaction that he had found a relative in the 
distant South, and spoke of often seeing her 
and of the comfort her society was to him. 

To get the thread of the history of his sick- 
lies) 



104 THE YOUNG QVABTERM ASTER. 

ness I addressed lier a letter after she had re- 
turned on a visit to her Green Mountain home, 
and requested her to write to me and give me 
an account of his sickness and of his coming to 
the liouse of her uncle. I wanted to know how 
he had been from day to day. She sent me the 
following touching reply to my letter, in which 
she answers my several inquiries. 

Vergennes, Vt., August 8th, 1853. 
Dear Cousin,— Since the reception of your 
letter I have been so occupied with company 
and various other things, that a favorable op- 
portunity for writing you has not presented 
itself until now. In how great a measure I can 
comply with your request in regard to Luther, 
I do not know, but I will try and tell you all 
I can. You are aware that he was too sick, 
from the very first, to talk ; and it was the re- 
quest of the attending physicians that he should 
be kept as quiet as possible, therefore, I rarely 
ever asked him any questions except in regard 
to his personal comfort. 

I will begin with the afternoon when ]ie first 
came to me, and tell you the little details as 



THE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER. 105 

far as I can, but there will be but little con- 
versation. 

When he came down Tuesday afternoon, 
July 14th, he did not seem very ill ; at least, 
we, none of us, felt any alarm. He complained 
only of great weakness in his arms, at that time 
was unable to open the door ; also, he seemed 
to have a general feeling of weakness and de- 
bility. He had made his arrangements to re- 
turn to camp that evening, but I felt unwilling to 
have him, and at length prevailed upon him to 
spend the night, and sent up to camp for 
March to come and assist him. We chatted 
of various things ; just now I do not recall the 
conversation, it being very general and common- 
place. 

March came down and L. retired at about 
8 o'clock. I directed March to spend the 
night where L. might call him if needed, and 
told him where to find me if L. wished any- 
thing. I sat by him until twelve, as he had no 
inebriation to sleep. Wednesday morning he 
persisted in liaving on a portion of his dress, 
but lay on the bed, and I could see that he was 
weaker, and he complained of inability to swal- 



106 THE YOUFG QUARTEmiASTER. 

low. I wrote a note to Dr. Rogers asking for 
medical advice. He immediately complied 
witli my request and sent for Dr. Hayden. 
They came together. What they said to Iiim 
I do not know, as I left the room. Dr. R. had 
. previously sent me word to put a strong mus- 
tard paste on the back of his neck, which I did. 
After they left him, Dr. R. requested that they 
might speak privately with me. They told me 
he was very sick, but they, neitlier of them, felt 
the case hopeless, by any means. Dr. Hayden 
left oil and loine for him to take soon. After 
they left I attempted to give it to him, but it 
nearly strangled him, and none of it passed 
down his throat. That morning the expector- 
ation commenced. Before noon I dispatched 
March with a note to Dr. H., telling him I could 
not give the medicine, and asking him to come 
around again directly. He soon came and I 
told him my desire that a hospital nurse might 
be procured, as I feared I might not do every- 
thiug that should be done. He told me I was 
doing better than any other person could do for 
him, and I need not feel any apprehension in 
regard to my ability. He went out and called 



THE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER. 107 

in another physician, and I knew he must be 
Ahorse. Thev remained with him, working over 
him for as much as three hours. He seemed to 
be sinking very rapidly, and for a time all 
feared he would pass away very soon, ihe 
doctors, Havden and Hamlin, remained until 
about two. ' He was then stronger and they 
were obli2:ed to leave. 

When I came in to sit with him he said, 
'' Well, pet, you've got back again ; they kept 
you away from me a great while. This is a 
queer sort of a funeral, isn't it ?" This vague 
remark was all the indication he gave of seem- 
ing to consider himself in any danger that day. 
The doctors requested me not to allow him to 
feel discouraged at all. He seemed tired and 
restless, and, by advice, I began bathing his 
head with ice-water, which, you know, we con- 
tinued to the last. This soothed him, and he 
sank into a quiet sleep. In about fifteen min- 
utes some one entered the room and roused 
him. He looked up at me with a pleasant 
smile, and said, " I had a nice sleep then." Af- 
ter that he dozed a good deal till about six, 
when the doctors came again. Mr. Judd, who 



108 THE YOUm QUARTERMASTER. 

had been up to Folly Island, also came in then, 
and assured him of a hearty welcome to a place 
in his house. After tea, March gave him a 
sponge-bath of mustard-water, and he then re- 
mained quiet througli the evening. At a late 
liour I left him with Mr. Bellamy and March, 
Avho had instructions for the night. At about 
six in the morning I went in ; found he had not 
slept much. He welcomed me with a bright 
look, and when I asked him how he felt, " Oh ! 
pretty well, I guess,'' he replied. When the 
doctors came they felt quite encouraged, and I 
asked if it would not be well to have him taken 
below. They seemed to like the idea, and I 
sent March to camp for his own bed. His Ser- 
geant came down with the men, and we had it 
placed in the parlor. Several came in, and he 
was brought down without much trouble, though 
it wearied him some. Through the day he re- 
mained quiet, and we all took courage. About 
nine in the evening I went out on the piazza, near 
his room, to take the air a few moments. Very 
soon London (Lieut. West and London took 
care of him that night) called me. I went in, 
and Luther said, " Well, Ammie, I am cjoinc), I 



THE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER. 109 

think." Of course I was greatly sliocked, as he 
had seemed better all day. I immediately 
wished to send for the physicians, but Luther 
hegcjed me not to do so. " They cannot help 
me, and I wish to be quiet." So I did not send, 
only for Dr. Rogers, whom L. expressed a wish 
to see. We all stood near him. I sat by his 
head, watching his face closely, fanning him, 
and counting his pulse. Mr. Judd and Mr. 
Bellamy were both present. He said to me, 
" Pray, Ammie, that I may go easily." I think 
he feared strangulation. I asked him " if it 
was all well?" "All bright! all bright!" 
Then closing his eyes he lay panting for breath. 
Dr. R. came, but nothing could be done, as he 
could not swallow. " It's Uautiful to die !" he 
said to me ; " oh, how beautiful it is on the 
other side ! I see Willie there. Oh, Willie, you 
must wait; I can't come yet!" Then looking 
at me he said, " I am not going yet ; I think I 
shall get over this." He continued to rally, 
and his pulse came up to its usual course. At 
twelve, by Dr. Rogers' request, I went to 
my room. He left at one. At two I went 
down, and found him quite comfortable. I 
10 



110 THE YOUNG QUARTERMASTER. 

sat up an hour, when he insisted on my go- 
ing back to my room. I did so, but got up 
a.o-ain at five, and took my place beside him. 
Wlien the doctors came I asked if he could 
be lielped. Dr. Rogers told me plainly, we 
could only hope to make him comfortable — 
nothing more. After I was left with him alone 
again my feelings got the control of me, and I 
wept as I looked at his pleasant face and 
thought of the great sorroAv awaiting us all. 
He noticed it, and asked me to lay my face 
close to his on the pillow, and let the tears 
come ; I would feel relieved. I did so, and 
after a time he spoke, with a bright smile : 
"Perhaps I shall recover yet ; if not, it vron't 
be long before we shall all be together in hea- 
ven." I said, "Poor Minnie, Luther,— what 
will she do ?" He replied, " She will follow me 
soon." Through that day he remained just 
about the same, very low and weak. 

Mr. Harris was in that morning, and prayed 
and talked with him. He expressed the most 
perfect trust that it would all be riglit in any 
case, and lie was willing to leave it with God. 
He lay, much of the time, and looked at me, 



THE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER. \\\ 

with such a deep, earnest expression, full of af- 
fection, but as if heaven were in his soul even 
then. Once that clay (Friday) I saw a most 
beautiful smile— it had so much of heaven and 
so little of earth in it— I never shall forget it ! 
—playing over his face. I asked of its cause, 
when he replied, with the same sweet look, " I 
have been praying that I might recover, if it he 
GocVs will, and the reply comes to me, as distinct- 
ly as if you spoke, ' onhj believe, only believer" 
I felt then heaven was not far from him, and 
we could claim him not much longer. Late 
in the evening I left him with Adj. Dewhurst 
and the colored men. He did not rest much— 
but little sleep. Saturday morning I knew he 
felt, himself, he would not probably recover. 
That day he told me of his business, which I 
transferred to you, and also gave me his mes- 
sage to M., and requested that she might have 
]iis watch, gave me his cap, etc.; then he seemed 
to have no farther care. That evening Mr. Har- 
ris came in, and kindly relieved me in the care of 
him. I sat up until twelve, as we expected Dr. 
Minor by the Arago, and L. wished me to see 
him if he came. Mr. Harris staid until one. 



112 THE TO UXG Q UARTERMASTER. 

then left, as we gave up Dr. M's comino-. In 
the morning Sergeant told me you had arrived 
Luther did not know of it, and told me of his 
great desire to go liome on the Ara-o, and 
wished me to urge it to tlie doctors, I did so 
and tliey thought it might be possible. After 
you came— you know the rest. 

I fear I have not done this justice, but it is 
all I can do, and hope it may afford you some 
satisfaction. 

That I loved Luther very much I do not need 
to tell you ; evenj one did. I am intendino- to 
write to Minnie. Poor girl! I am so sorry 
for her m lier great grief, as I am for all of 
you. I often think of and sympathize with you 
in your loneliness. 

^ Please rest assured it was a great satisfac- 
tion to me that I was permitted to minister to 
dear Lutlier in his last illness. The scenes of 
that sick and dying bed, so triumphantly glo- 
rious, I shall never forget. May we all have 
his firm faitli and trust, and mav our lives close 
as brightly as his. Love to all. 

Ever affectionately yours, 

Ammie. 



J 



XVI. 

Closing Sftn«— itiitlr. 

Lift up anew thy standard high, 
Ever be this thy battle cry, 

" For Christ to live and die." 
Press to the foremost of the fight; 
Be sure that in thy Leader's might 
Thou shalt have victory. 

Then, when the life-long strife is o'er, 
Thou shalt have rest for evermore 

Within thy Father's home ; 
Shalt join with all the blood-bought throng 
To sing Christ's love, the eternal song, 

Before the great white throne. 

A T an early hour on Sabbath morning, July 
^^ 19th, 1863, I called on the accomplished 
Surgeon of the First South Carolina Regiment, 
at hTs quarters, and requested him to accompany 
me to the bedside of my son. He complied at 
once, and we went to the parlor in which he 
lay. He requested me to tarry without till he 
could break the news to him that I had come, 

IQ^r (IIB) 



114 THE YOUNG QUARTERMASTER. 

and manifested the desire that he should be 
agitated as little as possible. 

It was but a moment before the Surgeon was 
at the door, and beckoned me to come in. I 
entered, and was in an instant by my son. His 
first words were : 

"Father, I am all right, all right. It is all 
bright on the other side." 

These words he uttered with an indescribably 
gladsome smile upon his face. He knew I 
would know how comprehensive those words 
were, and how much they meant. I doubt not 
they had reference, in his own mind, to a letter 
he had written to me a few days before— ^Ae 
kisi to me— in which he says : 

"I shall certainly not feel restive because 
you express concern about me. On the con- 
trary, I thank you for it. I know that men in 
the army are likely to fall, and there is great 
wickedness abounding there. Yet to one 
whose trust is alone in Christ, it seems to me 
he will not fall. I feel that I have little to do 
with keeping myself. I have given myself 
wholly and fully to Christy and, when f did 
that, Christ took me and saved me from that 



TFIE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER. 115 

hour. Ho has promised to do so. Is Ms 
promise wortli anything? Is it sure? K so, 
I am certcdiiJjij saved. I have nothing to do 
with saving myself. Christ works out my sal- 
vation. And there are no ' ifs ' and no ' ands 
about it. All I have to do is to place my hand 
in Christ's hand and follow where he leads and 
marks the way. I know that from a lack of 
Christian privileges a Christian life may be- 
come cold and ineffective, but I have no fear of 
being lost. I hnoiu that my Redeemer hveth 
and^that my salvation is sure! Is this pre- 
sumption on my part? No! Because the 
author of it all and the end of it all is GhrisU 
And, then, is there no answer to prayer? 
Think you I am not followed day by day with 
the prayers of the home circle ? I know that 
I am— that, morning and evening, my name is 
mentioned as you kneel around the family altar. 
And there are other prayers that reach the 
throne of grace, warm from the heart of one 
whose love for me burthens them with earnest- 
j^ess— one whose influence over me is only for 
good. Can I fall, thus surrounded and encir- 
cled by prayer, and, more than all, held up by 



116 THE YOUNG QUARTERMASTER. 

the uevcr-failiiig love of Jesus, whose promise 
is that he will never leave nor forsake me ? 

'' Do not feel worried in regard to me. If I 
fall, as I may, either by bullet or disease, do 
not mourn for me. Feel that I have done my 
duty, and that you have given me a sacrifice 
for the country, and from lienceforward you 
own an interest in her. I shall have only gone 
before. Give my love to all the family, and 
feel assured that you have the interest and the 
^ove of Luther.'' 

No mortal can tell how cheering this letter 
was. Here was a son in the army, teaching a 
father — a minister of religion — what it is to 
simply trust in Jesus Christ by faith. This 
letter, just received, must have been full in his 
mind wlien he looked up with such a glad smile 
and said, " Father, I am all right, all right, it is 
all bright on the other side." 

I found my dear son sun-struck from the 
base of the brain downward, so that he could 
not move either hand or foot, yet his brain was 
mitouched. His regiment had been ordered up 
the South Edisto River to create a diversion of 
the enemy's forces. They got within thirty 



THE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER. 117 

miles of Charleston. He liad to stand in tlic 
liot sun and superintend the disembarking of 
troops and stores, and then of embarking again, 
until he was fatally smitten, to rise from the 
effects of it no more. He was never left with- 
out the best of attendants to be with him. 
Five surgeons, all men of great skill and ex- 
perience, did all they could to save him, Uit 
though some hope was expressed through Sab- 
bath the 19th, yet when night came, I could 
see that all hope vanished and his case was re- 
garded as mortal, to be speedily terminated. 

It only remains for me to give a brief sum- 
mary of his exercises during the twenty-four 
hours I was permitted to be with him. He 
suffered no pain whatever, but wanted to be 
frequently turned. He was perfectly conscious 
and could converse, though he could not swal- 
low a drop— could not command the muscles 
used in swallowing. Yet he was cheerful, and 
observant of all that was passing. He was as 
patient and uncomplaining as a lamb, though 
naturally exceedingly active and energetic. He 
was often seen smiling with a peculiarly joyous 
smiling face when he was looking at no one, 



118 THE YOVKO QUARTESMASrEli. 

vLTn ^"'^''"'^ ^"'^ '"■'' °^™ Noughts. 
Evidently lus heart fl^as full of joy. It^,as 
very pleasant to be with him. He had two 
fa^^rxte men of the regiment with hi,„l 
March and " London "-noble specimens of 

him . men Quartermaster dies and ^oes to 
heaven March wants to die too, and oo to 
heaven for sure; don't want to live when Quar! 
termaster is gone." ^ 

Father, Jesus and Glory and Heaven ai 

y Last mght I thought I was in the rive, 
and brother Willie was here to lead me ove ' 
and I exi^ected to go every moment. But i 

longei. It was hard to come back, I assure 
you ; I wanted to go, oh, so much ! I longed to be 
w.«. Jesus. I am going straight to lis arms " 
He expressed great affection for the colored 
men around him, speaking to them with Jeat 

" n, , ^ ?"■' ^"^ ''^°"* ^''^'^e colored men ?" 

Uh ! father they are my staff. I never 

knew how to pray till I heard them pray so 



THE CFtRISTIAN SOLDIER. 119 

simple, so childlike, so trusting. Father, these 
negroes know how to trust Jesus; Jesus is 
every tiling to them." 

Those who knew the Quartermaster believe 
that he did know how to pray ; that he was 
a man of prayer ; tiiat lie liad conscious and 
sensible access to the throne of the heavenly 
grace. But he meant to give me to understand 
that he had learned much about prayer from 
tliese dusky men. 

Several regiments and parts of regiments 
were quartered in and around Beaufort ; and 
the beating of the drums could be heard wliere 
the sufferer lay. Amid all the clamor, he knew 
the drum-beats of his own regiment. At one 
tnne, while he was lying quietly, he suddenly 
roused up and said joyously, and with evident 
gratification at the hearing of the drum corps, 
" There, father, there -go the boys ! Go quick 
and you can see them." 

I walked oufrapidly in the direction of the 
sound and found the First South Carolina 
Regiment marching past the lower part of the 
town, toward their camp, at a distance still far- 
ther below. 



120 THE YOUNG QUAB-FEBUASTER. 

When I returned he inquired eao-erly if I 
saw them. I told him I did. " Fine lookino- 
nien, are they not, father?" said lie, his face 
all a glow of satisfaction that I had seen the 
men. I had had my first glimpse of them, 
-uas ! the Quartermaster who had become «o 
completely identified with them, was to behold 
tlieir faces no more. 

On other occasions through the day he ex- 
pressed great interest and aifection for these 
men almost all of whom had lately come out of 
bondage. But most of all was he interested in 
their religious experiences and character. He 
spoke of their songs of praise to Jesus-of their 
prayer-meetings-and of the happiness he had 
enjoyed among these rude, uncultivated men. 
He expressed the desire that I would go down 
to the camp and see them. He wanted that I 
should go into his tent and see how comfortable 
It was. 

" Father," said he, " I have had some glori- 
ous times in that tent, when there was no one 
there but me and Jesus. The foot of the ladder 
was there and the top reached into heaven, and 
heavenly messengers have gone up and down 



THE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER. 121 

on it. Oh ! it lias been my sweet place of 
prayer — precious — precious place of prayer." 

At one time I asked him if he was sorry, or 
ever had been, that he had gone into the army. 

" Oh ! no, father," he answered with deep 
emotion. " Never ! never have I been sorry. 
I have enjoyed my duty, and have tried hard 
to do it, and be faithful tq my country, to ray 
officers and men, and, above all, to God. The 
men love me, I believe— the officers love me. 
I believe I have been treated with great con- 
fidence and kindness. I have had some hard 
times. Every one must expect them. I ani 
glad I came. I have given myself up to my 
country, and if I were home now I should do it 
right over again." 

He lay a few minutes, looking at me with 
unutterable tenderness, and then said, 

" Are you sorry, father ?" After a moment 
of hesitation I answered, " No." He seemed to 
think my answer was not cordial enough, and 
added : "'' Oh 1 no, you should not be sorry, 
father." 

" Yes ; but you know I influenced you to come 
into this department." 
11 



122 TITE YOUNG QUARTERMASTER. 

He caught np my meaning in a moment, and 
saw that I felt tliat I had been instrumental in 
bringing him to his present extremity. 

" Oh ! father," said he, " this is all ordered of 
the Lord. It is God's will and that's enough. 
"We must all die — and I am happy to die here. 
Only do not leave my body here. Take me 
home and bury me beside motlier and Willie. 
I have made all the arrangements for this 
before you came. Cousin Ammie will tell you.'^ 
She did tell m^e. He had provided for the ful- 
fillment of all his wishes to the minutest par- 
ticular. 

The Adjutant of the regiment sat up with 
me througli the last night of his life. But little 
was said, except what related to his relief and 
comfort. He rested well during the first part 
of ih.Q night. 

Toward morning I perceived that his heart 
was beating loudly and rapidly. He noticed it 
himself, and said : " Father I shall not stay long, 
I wish you would call Cousin Ammie." 

I called her and she was in the room in a 
moment. When he saw her coming to his bed- 
side, his face was covered with smiles, and with 



THE CnmSTIAN SOLDIER. ] 23 

ail inexpressible joy he said, " Come here. 
Cousin Ammie, and bid me good-bye,'^ as if he 
was going on a most delightful journey. She 
bent low down and he kissed her. " This/' said 
he. pausing, " is good-bye for Minnie," one dearer 
to him than life, his chosen companion for life's 
journey. " Tell her good-bye for me,'' — and 
kissing her again, " This is good-bye for you, 
cousin," and then after a little pause he kissed 
me. " Good-bye, father," said he, yery cheer- 
fully. I asked him, " Haye you any message 
for your brothers and sisters ?" " Yes ! tell them 
to keep straight ahead." They are all profes- 
sors of religion. " Any message for your 
mother," said I. " She is all right," said he. 
After a little pause — " Any for Minnie ?" 
" Yes," he answered, " I have committed that to 
Cousin Ammie." This was done before I came. 
The message was, " Tell Minuie her earthly 
hopes haye been bright. She must move them 
now to heayen. They will be brighter there. 
Tell her slie will meet me soon. Kiss her, and 
bid her good-bye." 

I inquired if all was well with liim? He 
said " Yes." I asked if he were in any pain ? 



124 ^^^^ YOUNG QUARTERMASTEB. 

He said "None." The bright sun of early 
morning was now shining. He lay still for 
some time, and seemed in a state of repose, 
though his eyes were wide open. He asked me 
at length to keep bathing his head with ice 
water. I asked " Why ?" He answered, " I 
want my senses up to the last minute." 

"Are you afraid you shall lose them?" I 
asked. He said, " No, but I feel my head a 
little cloudy." 

He lay still some time. Then looking at me 
inquiringly, he said : " Did I not die last 
night ?" 

" No !" I answered ; " you are dying now." 

"Where have I been?" 

" On the expedition with your regiment." 

" Where am I now ?" 

" In Mr. Judd's house," I said ; and then he 
seemed to compreliend all and gather all up 
into his mind. I said to him, " Are you afraid 
Luther ?" " Oh, no !" he answered ; " I want 
to go." He lay with his eye fastened intently 
upon me for many minutes. To see if he could 
speak and was conscious, I said, "Are you in 
pain ?" He shook his head. " Is all well with you, 



THE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER. 125 

Luther ?" He nodded ; and in a few moments 
more he fell asleep. Blessed sleep. There was 
no gasping — no shudder. It was ceasing to 
breathe, and not a single struggle for breath. 
Gone to be 

" Forever with tlie Lord." 

My heart is full of assurance that he lives 
in heaven, and his beautiful Christian character 
lives on earth. It will always live. He died 
at 6 A. M., our time, on the 20th July. His 
age was 26 years and 10 months. 

11* 



XVII. 



In dotted camps, or squadrons massed, 

Wide, wide are spread our warlike powers. 
Proud sight! But yet another vast, 

Though now unmarshaled, host is ours. 
No ruin-bearing overthrow. 

No pestilential airs they dread ; 
Nor weary siege nor furious foe 

May daunt the Army of the Dead. 

Then think not lightly of the price 

That for loved Freedom's life they gave ; 
Shrine of a mighty sacrifice 

Has been the humblest soldier's grave. 
Think, too, what pining hearts must wait 

Till hope and life at once are sped, 
"Who, in an unrecorded fate, 

Follow the Army of the Dead. 

But Freedom's Martyrs, oh ! how meet 

It were for each thus pledged to die 
To mingle Faith's assurance sweet 

With Patriotism's promptings high ! 
Then, marshaled by the Prince of Peace, 

Up from the wreck of slaughter led. 
To where Man's strifes and suff'rings cease, 

Shall march the Army of the Dead! 
(126) 



THE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER. 127 

I WAS alone with the dead. The young 
Quartermaster, I think, liad not expected to 
depart so soon, until he felt and heard the rapid 
and loud beating of his heart. He seemed to 
know then that exhausted nature had done all 
she could, and was making her last ejQfort to 
support life for a few minutes, or at most a 
short hour. He had gazed into my face for a 
full lialf hour before the last breath, and never 
turning his eye away but once, when he looked 
out of the window at the orange and fig trees 
which stood before it, and through the branches 
of which he saw that the sun, just risen, was 
sinning. Then, after a look around, his eyes 
came back to mine, and he lay with unspeak- 
able love, tenderness, and satisfaction beaming 
on his joyous face. A heavenly radiance seemed 
to settle down upon his countenance, and his 
face denoted the highest happiness. 

I am sure he had not expected to go so soon. 
After I entered the parlor with the Surgeon on 
Sabbath morning, his young lady cousin came 
into the room, and he introduced me to her 
with as much ease and grace as if he Iiad been 
well, speaking in the most affectionate and ani- 



128 THE YOUNG QVARTERMASTEB. 

mated manner. He wished her to sit close 
beside him. While the sweetest smiles were 
playing over his face, he said to me, "Father, she 
is a good girl— a dear good girl. She has been 
so kind to me. I do not know what I would 
have done without her. And she loves Jesus 
too." 

The young lady, I saw, was deeply moved 
with these allusions to her, and could hardly 
restrain her tears ; while he continued — " per- 
haps, father, I may go home in the Arago." 
This ship was lying at Hilton Head, preparing 
to sail for New York. " Perhaps I shall," he 
added, slowly speaking. " Perhaps I may go 
and breathe some of that pure Green Mountain 
air, and Cousin Ammie will go with me." 

This he seemed to say, partly as a hope he 
had come to cherish from what the surgeons 
had said, and partly to comfort his weeping- 
cousin. However this may be, it is certain 
that the encouragement of the surgeons had 
not been lost upon him. He was, as lie sup- 
posed, really better, and some of them thought 
it was possible for liim to go home, though liis 
own Surgeon of his regiment gave no such inti- 



THE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER. 129 

mation, or held out the least inducement thus 
to hope. He told me privately just what I 
might apprehend — said his ease was peculiar — 
was not laid down in the books — and he had 
never witnessed anything like it. But he as- 
sured me it was a fatal case, and the event 
would prove that from the very first it had 
been beyond the reach of human aid. 

I had not thought that death was so near. 
On the previous evening I could not resist the 
desire to go to a prayer-meeting, held in a 
church only a little distance away, because I 
knew that two weeks before— just on the sail- 
ing of the expedition— he had attended a 
prayer-meeting in the same place. I took but 
a few minutes to be away from him. Yet while 
there I heard his case and himself alluded to 
in the most affecting manner. One speaker re- 
ferred to the last words he had ever heard 
from the Quartermaster of the First South 
Carolina. He had heard him within those 
walls when three hundred or four hundred 
men were present, and he said that he never 
should forget the earnestness with which he 
exhorted all to put their trust in Jesus as a 



130 THE YOUNG QUARTERMASTER. 

Saviour, and commit the whole matter of salva- 
tion into liis hands — to do it at once and to do 
it always. 

Another referred to him in prayer^thank- 
ing God for the bright example he had set, 
and asking that his life might still be spared. 

When I returned, he asked me where I had 
been. I told him, and then said, " I perhaps 
ought not to have left you, and I will not leave 
you again." He expressed his satisfaction that 
I had been to the prayer-meeting, and when I 
told him that I would not leave him again, 
little did I think that he was so soon to leave 
me. 

All the day before, he appeared so clieerful — 
so happy, so contented with his lot — I think 
that we all were misled. I knew that some of 
the surgeons had not given up all hope, though 
his own Surgeon did. I knew that an old ex- 
perienced Surgeon of the Regular Army, wlio 
had been called in, had failed to give the en- 
couragement that some of the surgeons looked 
for and expected. And when they appealed to 
him to know if he had not a favorable word, 
I noticed that he shook his head and was silent. 



THE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER. 



131 



All this ! I knew that death was stealing on, 
but I looked not for him so soon. 

The surgeons had specially desired that he 
might be kept quiet ; else I might have had 
much more conversation Avith him, which I de- 
sired, but from which I refrained. Much was 
said which cannot be recorded, just as interest- 
ing as that which goes on record. I had no 
thought then, and not for long afterAvard, that 
I should wish to preserve in this form anything 
that he said. 

But now his voice was forever hushed. That 
voice which was always so cheery, and which 
had so often animated hundreds, would be 
heard no more. I was alone with the dead. 
Cousin Ammie, exhausted with much watching 
and attention, had gone into a side parlor and 
liad thrown herself down upon a sofa and was 
fast asleep, having been completely overcome 
by excitement and fatigue. 

I thought I was alone. The Adjutant lay 
on a lounge in the room, also lost in sleep, for 
he had been much over the sufferer from the 
beginning. I was not quite alone— yet alone. 
I was alone in much that I felt. 



132 THE YOUNG QUABTEEMASTER. 

No tongue can tell or pen describe the joy I 
felt in view of the wonderful grace that had 
supported my son's unwavering faith in God 
through Jesus Christ to the last moment. I 
felt unspeakable happiness in my soul and grati- 
tude all unutterable for what God had done for 
my dear eldest-born son. My heart was full 
of praise. There lay my boy just as he had 
died ; the same sweet expression upon his face, 
emblem of the happiness in which he soared 
away to unending glory. 



XVIII. 

mu toits this Wluh? 

" What dost thou see, lone watcher on the tower? 
Is the day breaking ? Comes the wish'd-for hour ? 
Tell us the signs, and stretch abroad thy band 
If the bright morning dawns upon the land." 

" I hope, but cannot tell. I hear a song, 
Vivid as day itself, and clear and strong, 
As of a lark — young prophet of the noon — 
Pouring in sunlight his seraphic tune. 

" He sings of brotherhood and joy and peace, 
Of days when jealousies and hate shall cease; 
"When war shall cease, and man's progressive mind 
Soar as unfettered as its God designed." 

" Well done ! thou watcher on the lonely tower ! 
Is the day breaking? dawns the happy hour? 
We pine to see it : — tell us, yet again, 
If the broad daylight breaks upon the plain?" 

" It breaks — it comes — the misty shadows fly : — 
A rosy radiance gleams upon the sky ; 
The mountain-tops reflect it calm and clear, 

J7ie 2)1(1 in is yet in shade, lut day is near." 

A S I sat by that pale sleeper in death, my 
■^ heart full of praise to God for this instance 
of the Gospel's saving power, the sense of my 
12 (133) 



X34 ^^^^ YOUNG QUARTERMASTER. 

great loss came with the anthem that was sing- 
ing in my heart. I asked myself, why is this 
waste of the best of human life? Here lay 
the dead, within a stone's throw of the stately 
and once proud mansion, in an upper chamber 
of which this accursed and wicked rebellion 
against governments human and divine, was 
planned. For the time being I was lodged 
in the very house in which this treason was 
liatched. And while I sat there I heard the 
booming of the guns before Charleston. Here 
lay all that was mortal of my dear boy, whose 
life had been lost in the cause of human liberty. 
He had gone on an expedition towards Charles- 
toii, to create a diversion in favor of our ar- 
mies, before the doomed city — the hotbed of 
the most stupendous iniquity the earth ever 
saw. His regiment had got within thirty miles 
of the spot where those monster guns were 
being fired, wliose report I now heard coming 
up on the morning air. 

It was this same Charleston, to which Judge 
Hoar, in company with his accomplished daugh- 
ter, went, more than thirty years ago, as a 
Commissioner of the State of Massachusetts, 



THE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER. 1 3 5 

to try before a United States Court tlie Con- 
stitutionality of the law of South Carolina, by 
which she imprisoned free colored citizens of 
Massachusetts, employed in the merchant ma- 
rine, for daring, having on a black skin, to 
run into her harbors. 

It was from this same Charleston, from 
which this high Commissioner of a sovereign 
State was obliged to flee for his life — got off 
in a carriage, with his daughter, in the greatest 
haste, and with the utmost privacy — because his 
life was not safe if he remained another day. 

It was this same Charleston, where the first 
guns were fired that inaugurated the war — the 
capital of a State the first to commit the overt 
act of treason, and to lead off in that gigan- 
tic conspiracy that had for its object to subvert 
and overturn the best Government that God 
had ever given to man. 

The Quartermaster had perished that men 
might have freedom to he free / for there had 
been no freedom in this land. He had been 
attended by men, both white and black, who, 
in aiding the Government, had struck many a 
blow for human liberty. 



X30 TUE YOUNG QUARTERMASTER. 

The Quartermaster was one of the millions 
who were and are animated by the feeling of 
simple, unmixed and honest devotion to the 
Union and the Constitution. He was one in 
common with those who had been taught, in 
every way possible, to love and cherish their 
wise and good Government. So strong was 
the attachment of these men to it, while they 
did not wish slavery for themselves, and could 
not approve of it anywhere, still they steadily 
resisted the attempts made by a few to interfere 
with the institution, where it existed by State 
authority. The great masses of the North 
were for letting the institution alone, to die of 
itself, when the Southern Confederacy concoct- 
ed a scheme of Government, having slavery 
for its chief cornerstone. Teachers of religion 
professed to find this infernal scheme of ini- 
quity in the Bible, and became the advocates 
of oppression. Men had declared the foun- 
dation and object of the rebellion to be to 
set up a government, having slavery for an 
eternal foundation, and these men under- 
stood their declarations and undertakings. A 
vast slave empire was to be established, which 



THE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER. 1 3 7 

■was to eclipse all other governments, and bring 
all others humbly crouching at its feet. It was 
to be the king of kingdoms. 

My dear son had lost his life because. he had 
acted from a noble principle of patriotism, 
wliich led him to say : 

" Father, I am ashamed to be seen walking 
these streets. I ought to go to the war, and I 
7)iust go." 

And when he looked on the men, whom he 
had assisted to make free, in the operations of 
this GoA'crnment to cripple the rebellion, and 
to overwhelm its power, I rejoiced that I had a 
son to give to the Government to help to strike 
off the shackles of the slave everywhere, 
as long as tlie men, holding* tlieir fellow 
men in bondage, would lift their arms to 
pull down the Government under which we 
live. 

I did not wonder that the young Quarter- 
master loved the officers and men of tlie 1st 
South Carolina. I knew lie loved them — not 
with that love which grows out of sympathy 
alone, but he loved them for their devotion to a 
cause, which he loved above all others that be- 
12^- 



138 THE YOUNG QUARTERMASTER. 

longed to the things of earth— the cause of 
his country. 

The news flew quickly in the morning that 
the Quartermaster was dead, and many of 
his regiment came to look upon his face once 
more. 

London followed me out upon the piazza, and 
said : 

" Master, I expected to see you cry, but you 
no cry. I be very glad that you no cry. Quar- 
termaster be very sorry if you cry, because he 
has gone to heaven. If anybody ever goes 
there, Quartermaster's gone there for sure.*' 



XIX. 



We wrapped the flag around his form — 

The flag for which he died ; 
We placed his sword, all stained with blood, 

In silence by his side. 
We spake no word, we shed no tear ; 

But, in the waning light, 
Each raised a silent prayer to heaven 

For victory in the right. 

Oh ! who shall say that earnest prayer 

Was offered up in vain, m 

Or say 'twas chance that ruled the day, 

And marked the loss or gain. 
There is a God above us all. 

Whose heart is moved by prayer. 
And when we plead the rightful cause 

Will make that cause his care. 

Strike, then, for Liberty and Peace ! 

Avenge the noble dead ! 
Strike ! for the tears in silence wept 

For every fallen head. 
Strike ! that rebellion now may cease ; 

And you who stand aloof. 
Come, in your country's hour of need, 

And give your loyal proof. 

(139) 



140 THE YOUNG QUATEBMASTER. 

A T a seasonable hour, on the morning after 
^ the death of the young Quartermaster, I 
became acquainted with the fact that a stand- 
ing military order would prevent my taking 
his remains home. The Surgeon of the Eegi- 
ment sent me one hundred dollars to aid me in 
doing so, if I found it practicable. The Major 
of the Regiment went to Hilton Head, to ascer- 
tain if there was any possible way in which 
the desire of the deceased could be carried out. 
He returned with the information that nothing 
could be done. The order was imperative. 1 
returned the money with many thanks. 

The Adjutant informed me that if I acqui- 
esced, the military authorities would bury him 
with military honors. Of course I could make 
no objection. He was their Quartermaster, 
and they were expected to make their own ar- 
rangements. The funeral was appointed to be 
lield the next day, at 8 a. m., from tl^e house in 
which the corpse lay, and the burial was to be 
in the church-yard of the Episcopal Church. 
At an early hour of the morning of the 21st 
of July, we heard the solemn sound of the 
muffled drums, and we knew that the Regiment 



THE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER. 141 

of the First South Carolina were out in force, 
to attend the funeral of their late Quarter- 
master. They were approaching the town 
from their encampment- They were soon upon 
tlie ground. His funeral was attended by all 
the officers and men of the regiment who were 
able to be on duty. The exercises were con- 
ducted by the Chaplain of the post, who refer- 
red in very affecting terms to the address 
which the Quartermaster made a few nights 
before, in a prayer-meeting of 400 or 500 
soldiers, held in the church near at hand, 
in the yard of which we lowered him into his 
grave. He said he should never forget that 
address. Some who heard it had fallen on 
Morris Island, and some lay wounded in the 
hospitals near by us, and some will never for- 
get liis dying words, to trust in Jesus— commit 
their all to Jesus— do it at once, and do it al- 
ways. The Chaplain spoke of the need of 
preparation for any event which might come to 
the soldier in the chances of war. He spoke 
of the value of Christian character to assist in 
the performance of the duties of the soldier. 
He alluded to the large circles of Sabbath- 



142 THE YOUNG QUARTEBM ASTER. 

school cliilclren, who would feel tlie loss of the 
officer, whose remains they were about to bury 
out of sight. He spoke with tender interest of 
the circles of home and acquaintances at the 
North, whose hearts would be full of desolation 
when they should hear the sad tidings of the 
Quartermaster's sudden death. He assured 
the men of the Regiment, that the life which 
they had lost out of their ranks was a precious 
life to some far away, who would deeply mourn 
its loss. 

He exhorted all to cherish the memory of 
the departed, and imitate his virtues, by"^ the 
faithful discliarge of all their duties. 

At the conclusion of his remarks, he said 
there was a mourner present, who, perhaps, 
would be pleased to say a word to the Regi- 
ment. It was the father of the Quartermaster. 
Thus alluded to, the father said that many 
words from him would not befit the occasion. 
He could not refrain, however, from thanking 
officers and men of the First South Carolina, 
for all the kindness, consideration, and assist- 
ance which they had rendered to his beloved 
son. Though many of them were of a differ- 



THE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER. 143 

ent religious faith, tlicy had respected the faith 
, of liim whose mortal remains were now to bo 
buried in the grave. He remembered, he said, 
that his son liad exhorted him in a late letter 
liome, to regard his fall, if fall he must, as his 
contribution to the cause of human liberty. I 
accept this dispensation, said the father, of the 
providence of God, in which I have been de- 
prived of my son in that light. This is my 
contribution to a cause dearer to us all tlian 
life — a cause in which are involved, not only tlie 
liberty of one race, but of all races — not of 
one country — but of every country on the face 
of tlie globe. 

Then came the three volleys over his grave 
by one part of the regiment, and slowly we de- 
parted. That regiment is a regiment of mourn- 
ers. 

Tears were falling all around while the act- 
ing post Chaplain was proceeding in the re- 
ligious services. Every face bore the marks of 
sorrow. 

Tliis young Quartermaster lived a short life, 
and when this idea, as we were walking to 
the grave in the procession, was expressed, a 



144 ^-^^ TOTING QUARTERMASTER. 

chaplain said : " No, Brother Bingham, his life 
of one year in South Carolina has been longer 
than if he had lived forty years at the North. 
Think of the impressions he has made on all 
the officers of his regiment and other regi- 
ments — on all these colored men. There is 
not a black man, woman or child, in all the 
South, that has not a special interest in the life 
that he has liyed, and the influence which he 
has exerted. Look around you on all these color- 
ed women and children who are hurrying to 
see where the Quartermaster is to be buried. 
Look at all this crowd of people. This is no 
mock military pageant. This is real sorrow for 
the loss we have sustained. What an honor 
God has put upon you. Brother Bingham, that 
he has given you such a son, and that he gave 
himself to such a cause. You should be glad, 
and rejoice in the midst of sorrow." 



XX. 

(lla$ \n -K €\)xh\uv. BfsMn? 



Thou who hast named Christ's holy name, 
Within whose bosom glows the flame 

Of sacred, heavenly love, 
liow gird thy Christian annor on. 
And 'neath the banner of God's Son, 

Thy earnest zeal approve. 

First, righteousness thy breastplate make, 
The helmet of salvation take, 

And in thy feeble hand 
The sword of God's good Spirit keen, 
That weapon which hath ever been 

Strength to his warring band. 

The shield of faith before thee bear. 
The Gospel sandals thou must wear 

To bruise the serpent's head ; 
The briers and thorns that in thy way 
Will still be springing day by day. 

Beneath thy feet to tread. 

Thus fully armed, go boldly forth. 
Trusting alone in Christ's great worth ; 

Own him thy all in all ; 
Assured, if thou thy part perform, 
Fighting, though fainting and forlorn. 

Thy fiercest foe shall fall. 
13 (145) 



X46 ^^^ YOUNG QUARTERMASTER. 

Though subtle is thy foe, and strong 
To lure thee with his syren song, 

Or with temptation sore 
Depress thy spirit, rouse thy fears ; 
Oh still, with penitential tears, 

Aid from above implore. 

TpO make the evidence cumulative that the 
^ Quartermaster was a true Christian soldier, 
liaving on all the Gospel armor, I must allow him 
to speak from his letters. They were written 
Avithout the slightest idea that they would ever 
be spread before the public in any form what- 
ever. But I cannot but think that if he could 
have known the good they may accomplish, he 
would not have objected. It was one of the 
traits of his character to have a very poor opin- 
ion of himself. This came not by nature, but 
by grace — the grace of God. Certain it is that 
he was divinely illuminated and instructed. 
These lowly, humble views of himself were not 
natural to him. This longing to do good to 
others was the work of the Holy Spirit. All 
his heart went out after others. He made lit- 
tle provision for himself. 

He speaks of a visit to St. Helena Island : 
" I enjoyed my visit to St. Helena Island very 



THE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER. \ 47 

mucli. I found a Sabbath-school of three hun- 
dred to five hundred scholars. I gave the 
books sent by the teachers. You ought to 
have seen their eyes brighten as I told them 
they would have books to carry home. And 
to encourage them to come to their Sabbath- 
school, I told them a Sabbath- school story. 
Their singing was good. They sang ' March- 
ing Along' and several other pieces that we 
sing in our school, and then some of their own 
peculiar hymns, such as, ' Roll, Jordan, Roll !' 
' Ring that Charming Bell !' ' We've got some 
Valiant Soldiers here to help us bear the Cross T 
" Some of these are beautiful. In the even- 
ing Mr. Wells gathered the people in one of 
his rooms and had a prayer-meeting. I was 
asked to speak. But I would have preferred 
to be silent and learn. Oh ! you should be in 
one of these prayer-meetings, if you would hear 
heartfelt, earnest words, going up from these 
sorrow-stricken hearts. I sometimes feel that 
I do not know how to pray, when I hear these 
despised ones pray. 

" After this prayer-meeting they had a shout ; 
and I tell you they entered into it with a will. 



148 THE YOUNG QUARTERMASTER. 

I enjoyed it. One of the most peculiar per- 
formances I ever saw, lasting an hour." 

Again he writes : 

" I believe it is every man's solemn duty to 
give to all kinds or to such kinds of benevo- 
lence as are most pressing and urgent, just in 
proportion as God hath prospered him. We 
get notliing ourselves only as God gives it to 
us. And we liave no right to be close and 
stingy witli his bounties. We are but stewards, 
and all we have is his. I always expect, and 
liope always to be able, to give something ; 
and the more God places in my hand, the more 
good I hope to be able to do. We shall not 
only be doing good, but we shall be receiving 
the same. We shall be happy ourselves, and 
we shall make others happy around us. I do 
not believe in an indiscriminate and wasteful 
benevolence. But I do believe in the proper 
and careful distribution of a portion of the 
means with which God does or shall bless us.'^ 

The Quartermaster was scrupulously exact 
in all his estimates of what was really his own, 
to use for benevolent purposes, and even upon 
all his own hard-earnings he admitted the 



THE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER. 149 

claims of those who had demands against him. 
But he thougiit he ought to give something to 
Him whose claims were above all. 
He writes to a young lady : 
" Dr Rogers came into my tent a little wliilc 
this afternoon. I showed him your carte visite. 
He said, ' A splendid face— not for beauty, but 
goodness, expressed therein.' 

" Then he said, ' Do you know that I am very 
much pleased to see how splendidly you are 
getting along in this war? How you hold 
your integrity. The army is a terribly wicked 
place in vulgarity and profanity. It is partly 
owing to your religion.' 

" The Colonel came into my tent one day and 
asked me if I had a good constitution. I told 
him I had. He asked me how long I supposed 
it would last at the rate I was using it up. 
The Colonel made the remark that lie thought 
I had a very hard position. 

" I have almost wished I could be wounded. 
I do not wish to be crippled or maimed for life, 
but I should esteem it a great honor to carry 
the scars that should be the badges of my great 
love for mv country." 
13" 



150 T^^^ YOUJ^G QUARTERMASTER. 

There were two controlling influences that 
made the young Quartermaster faithful and 
laborious even beyond his strength — love to 
God and love to his country. He loved the 
men around him most who loved the service of 
God and their country best. He could not 
brook a mercenary spirit. 

His season of family worship he thus de- 
scribes : 

" I finished my day's work about nine F. M., 
and since then have been singing for family 
worship. There are seven of ns now in the 
family. We sang, 'My Days are Gliding 
Swiftly !' ' In the Christian's Home in Glory.' 
' Jesus, Lover of My Soul,' etc. Oh ! how these 
hymns carried my thoughts right homeward. 
I could not help but think of home ; and I 
thought, too, of our Mission School, and remem- 
bered how vv^ell they sing those pieces. I have 
thought a great many times to-day of the Mis- 
sion School. I wonder who will speak for you 
to-morrow. T can go over the happy faces 
gathered there, and seem to see every one. I 
wonder if they will think of me to-morrow. I 
hope you will have an interesting time. You 



THE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER. 151 

cannot think how good these singing seasons 
of ours are to us who are away from home. 
They seem in a measure to bring home right to 
us. I believe I think a great deal of home and 
friends." 

He always called his father's house his home. 

We see the liabit of his mind, and the bent 
of his feelings in what follows. " I have been 
out at camp for nearly an hour-and-a-half, sing- 
ing ' Marching Along/ ' Rest for the Weary/ 
and ' Though the Days are Dark with Trouble/ 
with the men in one of the companies. Then 
I told them about ' Kingdom Coming/ and 
sang two or three verses of it They were 
greatly pleased, and said they must learn it 
After I got through singing, Captain Metcalf 
wanted that I should go up to his tent. After 
I got there, he insisted on my singing ' Kingdom 
Coming,' which I did, and also several pieces 
from the ' Golden Chain.' 

"I then got to talking about our Mission 
School, its scholars and its scenes. It interested 
tliem a good deal, and me too, for my thoughts, 
the while, were in Brooklyn. I would love to 
be in Brooklvn this Christmas eve. But the 



152 ^-^^^ YOUNG QUARTERMASTER. 

fortunes of war have placed many miles be- 
tween me and my home, and the friends near 
and dear. 

" I read the General's Proclamation to my 
men to-day. They were greatly pleased, and 
used sucli expressions as these : ' ! joy ! joy ! 
Bless the Lord for dat !' said one old man who 
lived on this plantation. I told them they had 
got to do a good deal of work during the 
week. ' Oh work ! we'll work,' was the reply." 

He writes again in the old vein : 

" God grant that our lives may be spared for 
a season, and that when we are called to die, 
others, in looking back upon our spent lives, 
shall find them, like the roses, fragrant with 
kindly acts, and cheering words to brighten 
the pathway of earth's sorrowing ones, who 
are waiting only for the angel, that they may 
join us on tliat other shore ; and in that 
brighter world, where the rosebuds of humanity, 
whicli here were only rosebuds and partly 
blossomed, shall there fully bloom in the sun- 
shine of Tlis smiles, who doeth all things well." 

" The life of a Christian is a progressive 
life. AVe cannot jump into a perfect life at one 



THE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER. 1 5 3 

leap. If we could, there would be nothing to 
attain unto. We must go on, step by step, in 
this journey. It is a life work ; and not until 
life's close shall we liave reached our journey's 
end. Then do not be discouraged if you see 
one older in the Christian life, who has made 
liigher attainments than you. But with your 
eye ever on the goal — 

' Still achieving, still pursuing, 
Learn to labor and to wait.' 

You will be a better and better Christian as 
you advance in the journey of life." 

Sometimes I have said, " Poor boy," as I have 
read his letters. Then "Thank God," after events 
proved that no one ever had firmer friends than 
he in the officers of liis Regiment. He was 
conscious of it himself, and well and right val- 
iantly did he win his way to their confidence 
and esteem, by his uprightness, promptness, 
faithfulness, and patience in the performance 
of his duties ; and the sequel will prove that, 
perliaps, no Quartermaster ever gained a more 
enviable place in the respect and affection of 
staff and line in a Regiment than did he. Ho 



154 THE YOUNG QUARTERMASTER. 

won his way, not by compromising between his 
conscience and interest ; not by buying a good 
position by selling his testimony for the truth ; 
but by vindicating and commending himself to 
the regard of superiors and equals, by his un- 
swerving adherence to what he thought was 
right. 



XXI. 

®u Iris fif( mu$it)i? 

A hero heart is still, 
And eyes are sealed, and loving lips are mute, 
Which bore on earth the Spirit's golden fruit. 

But peace — it was God's will. 

And for our precious land. 
The land he loved and died for in her need, 

The ilood of heroes is the countn/s seed ; 
As he stood may we stand. 

The Lord of hosts doth reign 
He crowned your soldier, "dying at his guns," 
Oh, be the nation worthy of her sous, 

The noble-hearted slain, 

SOME say a man who dies at twenty-six dies 
young. A young man who goes away from 
a loved circle, where his life is comparatively 
safe, to the scenes of carnage and strife, where 
jiis life hangs upon a thread, seems to take 
upon himself a great responsibility. 

Yet a man who dies at twenty-six may not 
die young. He may have lived a long life, if 

(155) 



■[ 5 6 TJI^ ro UXG Q UAR TER MASTER. 

we judge of tlie length of life by the deeds 
which fill it up. A young man who leaves a 
loved home-circle, not knowing what the end 
may be, may not be said to throw his life away. 
It may be that he does not take upon himself a 
great responsibility. To take the opposite 
course might be to take a great responsibility. 

" There is a Providence which shapes our ends, 
Rough-hew them how we will," 

There were those who stood at the grave of 
Luther M. Bingham, Quartermaster of the First 
Regiment, South Carolina Volunteers, saying 
that he had lived a short life. They thought 
twenty-six years and ten months was a brief 
space to live. There were those who were not 
at the grave when we lowered him into it, who 
said, when they heard of it, that his young life 
had been thrown away and wasted. 

There were those who stood at that grave 
when we let down the coffin, who said, Lieut. 
Luther M. Bingham has lived a long life, a much 
longer life than he could have lived if he had 
never come into the army. And though his mor- 
tal remains might lie mouldering in the grave, 



THE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER. 157 

lie was not dead. His earnest and beautiful 
Christian life would live, and his influence be 
felt still more than when alive. They said 
that there was not a man, woman or child in 
all the sunny South that would not be found, in 
the events which are to come, to have an inter- 
est in the life and death of this humble Quar- 
termaster of the first colored regiment whicli 
had ever been attempted to be raised on South- 
ern ground. That earnest life — that devoted 
Christian life — that irreproachable life — that 
life of full assurance of faith in Jesus Christ — • 
assurance of salvation now, and salvation for- 
ever — was to have its influence in lielping the 
faith of thousands of others, and moulding the 
life of multitudes who midit have never known 
of his life but by his death. And so, though 
dead, he is to live and be a power in many 
hearts to lead them into the same glorious life. 
Not only one regiment in our vast army corps, 
but every regiment of every army corps, may 
feel the power of that life which was laid down 
among the dusky men he loved so well, and 
for whose freedom he periled his precious life. 
There were a thousand hearts that beat re- 
14 



158 THE YOUm QUARTERMASTER. 

sponsive to his own, when he spoke of his un- 
shaken confidence in a precious Saviour's love, 
and there will be ten thousand and ten times 
ten thousand hearts that will beat responsive 
to his own, it may be, throughout the country, 
as they read in these pages the story of his life 
and death. 

There were those who said, What a pity that 
he should waste his life upon a few negroes. 
Was his life wasted upon a few negi-oes ? No ! 
—such a life is never wasted, no matter among 
whom it is spent, and for whom it is laid down. 
The poet has well said — 

" Life ! we've been long- together, 
Through pleasant and tlirougli cloudy weather ! 

'Tis hard to j^art when friends are dear 

Perhaps 'twill cost a sigh or tear ; 
Then steal away, give little warning, 
Choose thine own time ; 

^ Say not good-night ; but in some happier clime 
Bid me good-morning." 

It is to minister to the higher forms of spir- 
itual life that induces to this imperfect sketch 
of an imperfect and yet successful life. 

We laid him away in the beautiful church- 



THE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER. 159 

yard at Beaufort, and did not bring Mm home 
according to his request, because there was a 
military order against removal North at that 
season. His final resting-place will be where 
he desired. 

But we did not bury the bright example 
which he had set, of devoted attachment to his 
officers and men— his ardent love of country-- 
his high patriotism— his self-sacrificing spirit 
—his constant self-renunciation and self-denial. 
These ive did not bury. They live. 



XXII. 

^xiixxtts HitJr %tBtxm^\xxt^. 

THE editor of a religious paper made the fol- 
lowing prefatory remarks, before introduc- 
ing his readers to the letter of the commanding 
officer, which follows below. 

The Late Lieutenant Bingham. 

^ Among the many noble young Christian pat- 
riots who have fallen in the service of their 
country, was Lieutenant Bingham, of the 1st 
Regiment of South Carolina Volunteers. His 
fidelity in service, and his triumphs in death, 
liave been described in the columns of several 
papers, only to elicit desire to know more of 
his bright and brief career. 

We are glad to be able to lay before our 
readers a letter from Colonel T. W. Higginson, 
Colonel-commanding, which was sent unsolicit- 
ed to the fatlier of the young martyr to his 
country's cause. It is a noble letter, and they 
who love to cherish the memory of departed 

(160) 



TUB CHRISTIAN HOLDIEIi. 161 

worth will read it to admire the cliaracter por- 
trayed, and to prize more highly than tl>ey have 
done those great principles of liberty for the 
support of which so many have fallen in sacn- 

iicG \ 

IIqeadu.vrters 1st S. C. V., ) 

Camp Shaw, Beaufokt, S. C, Nov. 11, 1863. S 
Dear Sir :— I liave strongly desired to write 
out for you, in some detail, my personal im- 
pressions of your son ; but my incessant avoca- 
tions and recent physical weakness have post- 
poned it from day to day, and now it is almost 
time for the mail to close. 

The relations between a commander ot a 
re-iment and the Quartermaster are very inti- 
mate, especially when the regiment is first form- 
ino- • the Quartermaster and Adjutant, indeed 
are the Colonel's right and left hand, and if 
they are weak or incapable, everything goes 
wrono-. I shall always count it one of my 
oTeat° blessings that, on taking command of 
this regiment, I found in that important post 
such a man as your son. 

There was such a fresh, hearty, vigorous 
manhood about him, such an absolute rectitude, 
14* 



162 THE YOVm QVABTEBMASTES. 

SO firm a moral purpose, with such a freedom 
from cant, such a love of hard work, and such 
a love of justice, that I soon found myself 
leanmg on him as upon a granite pillar 

He neglected no duty, shrank from no under- 
taking, had no favorites and no jealousies, 
and saved me numberless perplexities by the 
manly straightforwardness of his course When 
the regiment was iirst formed, it is safe to say 
that two-thirds of the officials in the depart- 
ment were more or less opposed to it; and it 
was, ot course, very essential that the Quarter- 
master upon wliom the most vexatious duties 
came, should be at once resolute and concilia- 
tory. He combined both attributes; and 
while some of our officers, more suspicious and 
irritable, would often chafe under real or im- 
agined indignities, I remember his once sayin- 
to me tliat, in all his official experience, he had 
never received an insult, and never been made 
to feel tliat he l^elonged to any but a white reo-- 
iment. My own experience was the same, and 
1 have quoted tliis remark of his a hundred 
times, m proof of what I tlioroughly believe 
that a courteous and straightforward demeanor 



THE CSRISTIAN SOLDIER. 163 

will, nine times out of ten, secure civil treat- 
ment anywhere. i . i n 
I remember another remark of his, which il- 
lustrates his modes of dealing. Talking of 
some requisitions which we had found it hard 
to get filled, I said, half in joke," Well, I sup- 
pose you asked for twice what we really needed 
in order to make sure of that:' "Not a bit, 
said he ; " that is not my way. My rule always 
is, to ask for precisely what we have a right to 
—no less, no more ; and, sooner or later, I find 
we always get it." And so we did. 

He had a fine physique and hearty animal 
spirits, and could work, himself, and make 
others work, on a formidable scale. When we 
embarked for tlie expedition up the St. John's 
river, carrying with us large extra munitions 
of war, he was on the wharf, without resting, 
nearly twenty-four hours, amid piles of bag- 
gage that seemed to me perfectly insurmounta- 
ble''- and his head was just as clear and his 
voice as cheery at the end as at the beginning. 
All the pleasantest and most exciting scenes 
of our military life are associated with him. 
He enjoyed adventure, and would always, had 



164 ^-^^ YOUNG QUARTERMASTER. 

his duties permitted, have been in the front of 
danger. But I think my most enduring recol- 
lections of him will be associated with our last 
interviews, on our way from the South Edisto 
expedition, last July. I had been wounded, 
and was obliged at last to go to the cabin, and 
lie down ; and I never shall forget how tenderly 
he led me to a berth, helped me into it, brought 
me water, bathed my forehead. Then he went 
and came for mc — since the steamer was still 
running down the river, between the fire of 
batteries, giving and receiving shots — and 
brought me constant reports of all that tran- 
spired, till I compared him to Eebecca the 
Jewess, keeping watch over the battle for the 
wounded Ivanhoe, in Scott's story of that 
name. 

The next morning it was thought best to stop 
the crowded boat ere reaching Beaufort, and 
send on shore for burial the remains of some 
soldiers who had been killed. The Chaplain 
was not with us, and it seemed a matter of 
course to request Lieutenant Bingham, not only 
to make all other arrangements, but to perform 
the services. He accepted the trust without 



THE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER. 165 

hesitation, and, as I lieard, made the services 
impressive to all. 

This seemed very natural to the soldiers, 
siiice they knew his strong religions convic- 
tions, and were also accustomed to his leading 
the Sunday singing. His fine voice and love 
of sacred music made him very popular with 
the men, and he liked to go and join their 
songs around the camp-fires. I remember per- 
suading him to teach them the fine song of 
" Marcliing Along," which liad somehow never 
reached them, but which was soon thoroughly 
naturalized in the regiment. 

I liave never doubted that to that Edisto ex- 
pedition he owed the brief and singular illness 
which caused his death. It was a day of ter- 
rific heat. I remember how the steamboat 
deck seemed to blister my feet when I stood 
upon it. And all through the heat of that day 
he remained at Wiltown Bluff, superintending 
the taking on board some two hundred colored 
people, with their great bundles holding all 
their worldly goods, together with a quantity 
of cotton, and such other articles as might be 
serviceable in war ; for it was a rule of our 



166 'THE YOUNG QUARTERMASTER. 

expeditions to take nothing else. I think it was 
this labor, superadded on previous fatigues, 
which broke him down. The loss is ours ; but 
the voices of that great multitude rescued on 
that day from slavery to freedom would speak 
his praise if they knew his name and fate. 
"Forasmuch as ye did it unto the least of these 
my little ones, ye did it unto me." 

I never saw him again, for the effects of my 
injury made it impossible to go to him during 
his brief illness ; nor did it, indeed, seem pos""- 
sible that it should terminate fatally. I did 
not fully know, till he had gone, how thoroughly 
I honored and trusted him. Trained in a form 
of faith quite alien from mine, he exhibited a 
type of manhood of which any form of faith 
might be proud. I believe I never yet stooped 
to the moral cowardice of praising a man 
merely because he had died ; and in this case 
it is pleasant to remember that I was equally 
ready to praise him while living. 

If it is any merit to have been connected 
witli a regiment upon whose career, for six 
months at least, hung the destinies of the col- 
ored race upon this continent, that merit be- 



THE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER. 167 

longs, in tlie very highest degree, to your son ; 
for^his services to it were of incalculable 

value. 

I am, my dear sir. 

Yours very respectfully, 

T. W. HiGGINSON, 

Colonel-Commanding. 

Headquarters 1st Regiment, S. C. V., ) 
Beaufobt, S. C, August 8, 1863. ) 

Dear Sir :— Sickness has for two weeks pre- 
vented my writing ; but I mailed a copy of our 
Free South, in which you will observe reported 
the action of the oflacers present, after Lieu- 
tenant Bingham's departure. Every one was 
desirous to testify to his worth in the strongest 
terms ; but a fear that consistency might some 
time call upon us to speak where there was 
nothing to say, induced the adoption of resolu- 
tions more brief and general. 

No of&cer, except perhaps the Colonel, had 
a greater influence with the men ; none held 
the esteem of the of&cers more universally. 
We are in the midst of changes, rapid and se- 
rious. We count on sickness and death ; to see 



168 THE YOUm QUARTERMASTER. 

a man for a little, and then losing sight of him, 
to forget ; but friend Bingham is not forgotten! 
Each day brings the renewal of our regret that 
he is not here, to share our labors, hardships 
and joys. I never see a neat little child about 
the camp that I am not reminded how on the 
third Sabbath we were at Jacksonville he had 
organized a Sabbath-School for the children 
both black and white, of the inhabitants who 
remained there. His rich plans for the fourth 
Sunday were frustrated by the troops evacuat- 
ing and burning the town. 

He was one of the first officers connected 
with the regiment, and though young in his 
business and position, older heads all looked to 
him with the utmost reliance, and were always 
rejoiced that we had so efficient a Quarter- 
master. 

He liked very much to sing, and in our out- 
door Sunday services, by the pleasant river side, 
at Camp Saxton, he was always there to lead 
the singing, linincj off for tlie men to follow. 
His voice was most earnest and full too, among 
the officers, by our evening fires, when the 
sweet songs of home mingled with our joy a 



TEE CnRISTIAN SOLDIER. 1^9 

vein of sadness, and made the chill air without 
seem all the more lonesome. 

Faithful, conscientious and kind, he, without 
ever sacrificing a principle, made friends of all 
who had dealings with him. I hesitate to 
write you, for I cannot do justice to his worth. 
The tallest monument liis friends must ever re- 
gard to be, the thorough esteem which even a 
brief acquaintance with him was sure to 
inspire. 

I am, sir, yerj truly, 

Your most obedient servant, 

Geo. W. Dewhurst, 

Adjutant 1st S. C. V. 

P. S. — Your request relative to Lnther^s 
grave shall receive attention as soon as I am 
able to be about again. 

Yours, 

G. W. D. 

The officers of the 23d N. Y. N. G., into 

which he entered when he came from the seat 

of war, and with whom he was for a brief 

space, passed resolutions similar to those pass- 

15 



170 T^^^ YOVNG QUARTERMASTER. 

od by the officers of the 1st South Carolina 
Volunteers. 

On the day of the burial the regimental of- 
ficers passed the following : 

At a meeting of the 1st Kegiment South 
Carolina Volunteers, held in their camp at 
Beaufort, South Carolina, July 21, 1863, Lieut. 
Col. L. Billings presiding, it was 

Resolved: Whereas the spirit of Lieut. L. 
M. Bingham, late Quartermaster of the 1st 
Reo-iment South Carolina Volunteers, has been 
called to Him wlio gave it— tlie dust return- 
ing to the dust as it was— we share with his rel- 
attves and friends in the loss, and tender to them 
our warmest sympathies in their bereavement. 

Faithful in his duties as an officer, temperate, 
pure in language, affectionate, his heart attach- 
ed itself to" those around him. While we, his 
fellow officers, strive to wear the mantle of all 
that was good in his character, we will cherish 
the faith that 

^' God calls the loved ones— but we lose not wholly 

What he has given; 
They live on earth in thought and deed, 

As traly as in heaven." 



THE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER. 1 7 J 

It was voted that a copy of the above be 
sent for publication to the Free South and 
New Southy and that a cop,y be sent to his 
friends. 

Geo. W. Dewhurst, 
Adjutant 1st S. C. V., Secretary. 

He went to the South with no great confi- 
dence in the negroes as soldiers, and not very 
favorable impressions as to the expediency of 
organizing them into military bodies. But his 
views underwent a very great change. He 
found a very large number of these men of the 
most undoubted and simple-hearted piety, and 
though unintelligent in many respects, accord- 
ing to our ideas, yet in others shrewd, knowing 
and earnest friends of the Government and the 
laws. He became exceedingly attached to these 
men, as loyal to the Government and to God, 
and especially did his heart warm to them for 
their simple and earnest faith in Jesus Christ. 
He never seemed so happy as when in the 
midst of them, hard at work. Said the Colonel- 
commanding, in conversation : 

" I have stood and seen your son directing 



172 THE YOUNG QUARTERMASTER. 

the labors of these men in loading and unload- 
ing transports and doing the work which de- 
volved upon them, and have been amazed at 
the incredible amount of work which lie would 
get out of them in an incredibly short space of 
time. He was very strict, very thorough, and 
yet nobody ever heard him use a loud or an- 
gry word." " And another thing I want you 
to understand," said the Colonel, " in no single 
instance has your son been known to do an act 
of injustice to one of these colored men. 
Sometimes they complained, and when an inves- 
tigation was made, he was always found to be 
in the right." 

I will quote a few words from a letter just 
received from Port Royal : 

" I have been round to see his grave since I 
came. I would like to go often, for it is a 
sweet place to me. I would love to go alone, 
and stand there, and think of his glorious 
power. I am stronger, purer, better for 
thoughts of his clear faitli — his beautiful death. 
Stronger when I think how he seemed to see 
so clearly, even across the ' dark river,' to his 
rest beyond — with trust that never wavered, 



THE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER. 1 7 3 

knowing the end was peace, ' all through 
Christ.' Purer and better when I feel that 
even to me may be given of the same blessed 
assurance — seeking where he sought, / too shall 
find; drinking at the same fountain, I too 
shall receive the healing waters, making all my 
soul to live. While I stand there by the mound 
which covers his form, I think of his glory, and 
long for the same sweet rest in heaven — long 
and pray that the life God gives me here 
may be all to his glory ; filled with love to 
him and deeds of kindness to all my fellow 
creatures, and at last close with the same 
bright trust that so beautified liis last days. 
His life — even the little I knew of it — was full 
of instruction. That heart that loved and 
trusted so fully in Christ, that it found no 
room for a single doubt, spoke volumes of 
silent, deep truth to all who knew him. He 
did not live in vain, and his death- — God knows 
its lessons to the hearts of comrades and 
friends." 

So much from one wlio knew the Quarter- 
master, living and dying. 

An officer writes : "The young Quarter- 
15'^ 



5^74 THE YOUNG QUATERMASTER. 

master's life was an example worthy of tlie 
imitation of us all. He was beloved by all, 
and especially by those mider his command. 
The officers as well as the men speak very 
highly of him. My acquaintance with him be- 
gan but a short time before his death. Du- 
ring the time I was with him I found him one 
of the best of men. I wish our army had 
more Luthers in it." 

Captain Hardy, of the 26th New York, 
spoke very highly of Lieutenant L. M. Bing- 
ham, and said that there was not one in the 
whole regiment beloved as he was. This had 
relation to him while he acted as Paymaster of 
the 26th. 

I subjoin the following letter from a young 
lady to the eldest sister of the young Quarter- 
master, to show how his Christian character 
was regarded outside of military circles : 

'• Not till yesterday morning did I hear that 
my dear friend, your brother Luther, had join- 
ed his voice with those who sing the song of 
Moses and the Lamb. For a few moments I 
wished that he might have been spared. Then 
the tliought came, Luther never wished his 



THE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER. j^S 

friends back from that liappy land. His prayer 
for them was that they might be made meet to 
enter there. I feel that I must tell you tliat 
I do sj-mpathize with you. I know you do not 
need anything that I can say to comfort you. 
I love to think what a boundless source of con- 
solation you have. Luther's life and death 
assure you that for him the blessed Saviour 
had prepared a place in tlie glorious mansions 
above. You a little longer wait, ere you are 
l)ermitted to join those who have gone before. 
You have all the precious promises of the 
Word of God to sustain you. When death 
lias called any from our family circle, we have 
liad the assurance that we have had your 
prayers and sympathies. Let me assure you 
that to-day you are not forgotten. When I was 
beginning to know the meaning of the word 
' motherless/ Luther wrote me a letter full of 
kindness and sympathy. Your dear father, too, 
with all his cares, found time to pity my grief, 
and point me to the source of all comfort. I 
tried to thank these friends for this unmerited 
kindness. Dear Willie, too, did not forget us. 
I have always felt that he was instrumental in 



l^Q THE TOmG QUARTERMASTER. 

my brother's and sister's conversion. Willie 
prayed often for my father and brothers. Yes, 
Luther and AYillie sent up many prayers for 
tiicm— such prayers as I believe will yet be 
answered. 

" But I want to talk to-day about Luther. 
How I liave prized, and do, his letters ! I have 
them all. How I love to read them ! At times 
when I seem to question the ways of Provi- 
dence, Luther taught me, as no one else did, 
that Infinite Wisdom could not err, nor Infinite 
Goodness be unkind. When I read his letters, 
I wonder if I have any faith in God at all. I 
heard that he had gone to Port Royal. ^ I 
cannot realize that I shall not see him again. 
I have ever hoped that some day business 
might call him this way. Brother Luther is 
dear to me still ; and ever as kind to me as a 
brother. Truly on his tongue was the law 
of kindness. He addressed me as his sister 
Lizzie, and said he would be my brother Lu- 
ther. I love to claim him still. He is my 
brother still. My heart aches when I think he 
will nevei^ write to me again. I trust the let- 
ters he did write have not been in vain. They 



THE CHRISTTA N SOLDIER. ^ ^ 7 

do inspire me with a desire to live a more de- 
voted life. Soon after Willie's death I put his 
letters with those of my dear motlier, and now 
I will add Luther's to them. They will ever 
be to me as messages from the spirit world. 
I have often thouglit of the remark that Wil- 
lie made to Luther a short time before he left 
you : ' Lutlier, I will wait and watch for you 
tliere.' He did not wait long. What a de- 
lightful meeting— to part no more. How short 
their race ! How glorious the end ! Truly we 
may say of them, they had finished the woi-k 
their Heavenly Father gave them to do. 

" What a kind Providence tliat your father 
could be with Luther, as he passed from earth, 
and his happy spirit soared to heaven, and to 
know that all was done for liim that loving 
hands could do. We need not the testimony 
of otliers to tell us that Luther was faithful in 
tlie discliarge of the duties assigned to him. 
We are sure he always tried to do his duty. 
I am thankful that I have had such a friend as 
Luther was." 

Many sucli testimonies as the above could 
be given to illustrate the character of the. 



;^Yg THE TOUNG QXJABTEBUASTBB. 

young Quartermaster : all go to sho^ how un- 
selfish, true and faithful he was m all the rela- 
tions which he sustained to others. But they 
will interest only those most who knew him 

iQGSt 

It will be abundantly evident to every, 
reader that the Quartermaster, notwithstanding 
the difference in their religious faith, had the 
confidence and consideration of all the officers 
in his regiment, both staff and line. He stood 
up with a manly and Christian boldness for 
what he deemed the faith "once delivered to 
the saints," and he was honored all the more 
for his fidelity to what he esteemed to be the 

TEUTH. 



( 



XXIII. 

|[cto Mfs S;i!i— fire ^itailermasfer's fast. 

For right is right, since God is God, 

And right the day must win ; 
To doubt would be disloyalty, 

To falter would be sin. 

TTOW little the young Quartermaster knew 
^^ tliat the New Year's clay would be his last ; 
and that before another, that body of his, so 
full of health and animation, would be sleeping 
in a grave in a church-yard in Beaufort, S. C. 
But so it was to be. 

The New Year's day was always a joyful 
season to him when he was at home. He had 
a large circle of acquaintances and friends, 
with whom he was in the habit of exchanging 
the salutations and the good wishes of the sea- 
son. His was a cheery, merry voice on these 
occasions. That voice can wish them no more 
" a happy New Year." 

(1Y9) 



180 THE YOUNG QUARTERMASTER. 

How did he spend his last New Year's day? 
A few extracts from his letters will tell. 

"Friday evening, January 2, 1863. Shall I 
tell you how I spent yesterday ? I think the day 
was as fine as I ever saw. The sun rose in 
splendor, and not a cloud was seen in the 
heavens during the entire day — fit emblem of 
the future of a race made free. Large prepara- 
tions were made to celebrate the day in a 
fitting manner. Two boats ran to our camp, 
the Boston from Hilton Head, and the Flora 
from Beaufort, bringing all who wished to 
come, both white and black. There were, of 
course, a very great many of the colored peo- 
ple here. It being low tide, the steamers 
could not come very near to the shore. So we 
had to land them in small boats — flats — and 
whatever could be made to float. It was a 
busy day for me, I assure you. In the morning 
I took my boat and crew, and went to Beaufort 
for the tobacco, which the General had pro- 
mised the men they should have — and also to 
bring down any ladies who might -wish to come 
in that way. 

"Arrived at camp, my next business was to 



THE CnRISTIAX SOLDIER. 181 

put on full dress and attend to tlie landing of 
the people. There was a band of music, and 
any quantity of notable persons here, among 
whom were the Herald correspondent, and Mr. 
Crane, Frank Leslie's artist. I should wish to 
see the account of it if you can send it to me. 
People— from babies to grown up folks — 
being all landed, they next repaired to the 
stage, where were seated General Saxton and 
his staff, Mr. Judd, Superintendent of Contra- 
bands, Colonel Higginson, and a number of 
others, with the ladies. The Ecgiment was 
formed by companies around the stage. The 
band gave us some excellent music. 

" The Proclamation of the President was read 
by Dr. Brisbane, who was a former resident of 
South Carolina. Being convinced that slavery 
was wrong, he bought back all his slaves, 
which he had just sold, and then set them free. 
After the Proclamation was read, I proposed 
three cheers for President Lincoln, which was 
responded to heartily. Dr. B. next read Gene- 
ral Saxton's greeting, and at the conclusion 
four times three were given for him. Then an 
Ode, composed for the occasion, was sung by 
16 



182 THE YOUNG qjJABTERMASTEB. 

persons on the stage. Next came the presen- 
tation of the colors given us by the New York- 
ers. Presentation speech was made to Colonel 
H. by Rev. Mr. French. The Colonel, of course, 
was expected to reply. But before he could 
utter a word, some one of the freedmen, with- 
out any directions, started the hymn 

' My country, 'tis of thee, 

Sweet land of liberty. 

Of thee I sing.' 

Some on the stage undertook to help them sing 
it, when the Colonel said, ' Leave it to them.' 

" The effect of that simple, grand old hymn, 
sung by these people, as it was, and just at that 
time, this people so lately held as slaves, but 
now forever free, was wonderful. 

" The Colonel, in his remarks which followed, 
drew all his inspiration from it. And his speech 
I cannot describe. No pen can do justice to 
it. I seldom, if ever, have heard a better 
speech. Sergeant Prince Rivers was then 
called upon the stage, and the colors were 
given to him as the color-bearer of the Regi- 
ment. I have never witnessed a more solemn 



THE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER. 183 

thing than the Coloners charge to Prince 
Rivers upon giving the flag into his hands. It 
drew tears from almost every eye. His charge 
to Captain Sutton, one of the colored guard, 
was very similar. Sergeant Rivers and Cap- 
tain Sutton both made remarks, which were 
good and well received. 

" The Colonel next called upon Lieutenant 
Bingham to lead the Regiment in singing, 
' Marching Along/ which request he proceeded 
to comply with. It was the largest congrega- 
tion that ever I undertook to lead in singing. 

"After this, several speeches, interspersed 
with music, were delivered by General Saxton 
and others. After this came dinner and the 
general enjoyment of the good things. Then 
came the getting them off, and such a time I 
guess you never saw. 

" I have tried to tell you how the day passed. 
It is but an imperfect description. 

" I did not have a chance to get a mouthful 
to eat from breakfast till late in the evening. 
I had so much to see to that I did not want to 
be away. 

" I hope that this, indeed, may be a happy 



I 



184- THE YOUNG QUARTERMASTER. 

New Year to you, and that the blessing of God, 
which maketh rich and addeth no sorrow, may 
abide with you through all the year. The old 
year has gone with all its blessings and privi- 
leges, and how many and rich they have been ! 
The new year is upon us. What it hath in 
store for us, God only knows. We are his 
children — that we know, and all things shall 
work together for good to tliem that love him. 
How much of joy or sorrow is for us, he alone 
can tell. Let us live near to him, trusting in 
his guidance and direction.^^ 

Here ends his account of the last New Year's 
day of his life, and it will be seen how it was 
filled up with laborious and active duties in 
serving others, while he cared little for himself. 
Who can regret that in heaven he finds his 
place among the glorified ones, where New 
Year's greetings are unknown ? Whatever 
was the pressure upon his attention, when it 
was removed, his next thoughts were of heaven. 



I«n 



XXIV. 



^$^\\xn\ut—Mhjt is it? 



"My baud in Christ's !'" He leadeth where he lists, 
Through flowery fields, or 'neath a starry sky; 
My faith is strong, Ile'll bring me safely through 
The ills of life, till I am called to die. 

" My hand in Christ's !" I fear not what nr.ay come, 
If he is mine I cannot yield to sin ; 
His everlasting arms are round me here, 
And I can safely trust my all to him. 

" My hand in Christ's I" I care not how death comes, 
Whether by pestilence, or in the fight; 
I shall be safe, beneath his gentle care, 
Should the sun smite by day, or moon by night. 

" My hand in Christ's'' who bore up Calvary's height 
The Cross, and gave his precious life up there ; 
To save a wretch like me ! can I e'er doubt? 
Or give myself a victim to despair ? 

No ! let me cling the closer to his side. 
And with a child's devotion hold hmi fast ; 

" My hand in his I" I'll safely pass along. 

Though storms may howl, my home I'll gain at last. 

" My hand in Christ's !' e'en down to death's cold flood, 
He'll bear me conqueror through the dying strife ; 
And safe with those who've only gone before, 
I shall have entered on that higher life. 

16^ (185) 



186 THE YOUNG QVAETEBMASTEB. 

'PHE above beautiful lines were written by 
^ one who addressed the following lines to 
the editor who inserted in his religious paper 
the account of the young Quartermaster's life 
and death : 

"Allow me to express to you my thanks for 
the privilege we enjoyed, in reading in your 
excellent paper of August 13th, the trium- 
phant death of that Christian soldier, Lieut. 
Luther M. Bingham. It touched a chord of 
sympathy in our hearts. It may be, in part, 
from the fact that we too have been called to 
pass through just such deep waters, in the 
loss of a beloved son, who in the early part 
of the war fell a victim to camp fever, shortly 
after returning with his regiment, the 7th 
N. Y. N. G. He too was a Christian sol- 
dier, and, with the father of Luther, we can 
rejoice that our precious boy is ' Forever with 
the Lord.' Young Bingham's expression, in' 
his letter to his father, ' All I have to do, is 
to place my hand in Christ's hand, and follow 
where he leads and marks the way,' impressed 
me so forcibly, that I have presumed to send 
you the above impromptu lines." 



THE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER. 137 

Such tributes of sympathy and regard are 
oxceedin.dy comforting to those who have been 
bereaved by ^\^ stroke of death. There is 
a home circle which never will fail to feel the 
sad loss of one who contributed mucli to its hap- 
piness. It was often said of him that he was 
the life of the house. He was certainly a 
light in the house^ and that light now is in 
no way dimmed or removed. It shines bright- 
er than ever. 

He felt fully assured of salvation, because he 
felt assured of the favor of God through Jesus 
Christ. He walked in the light of his coun- 
tenance day by day. He had not a doubt of 
his acceptance with God. 

I have been asked many a time since the 
death of the young Quartermaster, how a man 
can have this faith in God, so as to feel as- 
sured that through Jesus Christ he has a 
peace with God, which is never to be ques- 
tioned or disturbed. 

I have asked myself the question, " Wliat 
is this faith of assurance ?" and I have asked 
others to explain it, and tell me how I 
may know that it is mine. And I may be 



138 THE YOUNG QUARTERMASTER. 

allowed here to introduce a correspondence, 
wliich found its way into the columns of the 
reli.o;ious press, as illustrating the great inquiry 
of tlie multitude who will read these pages. 
Who can read of the death of the young 
Quartermaster, and not desire that his last 
end may be like his. Some may not — most 
will have such desire. 

THE father's letter. 

My Dear Friend: For so I love to call 
you, having often found you willing to hear, to 
sympathize and help in the time of trouble. 
But it is not as one in trouble that I now 
come. The bitterness of death is past. In 
the grave of my dear son I buried all wish to 
have my will done, and now it is my supreme 
desire that God shall have all things according 
to his own good pleasure, for his thoughts and 
ways are higlier and better than ours. If I 
could not see this, I would yet believe it, for 
hath he not said it, and hath not his Son said, 
" Blessed are they tliat have not seen and yet 
have believed." But I want light and help to 
find in my own soul's sweet experience the 



TUE CHRISTIA N' SOLDIER. J g 9 

same strong consolation that my son had when 
he was on his deathbed. I have often heard 
you say that dyini^ grace is given only to the 
dying : that we cannot find help to-day for the 
wants of to-morrow, and that each day must 
provide its own suyjplies. All this I know and 
appreciate fully, nor do I wish to anticipate the 
Avill and wisdom of God who giveth liberally, and 
never deserts his children in the hour of trial. 
But this is a time of war. The soldier is 
always a dying man. If every one is bound 
to live each day as though it were his last, not 
knowing what a day or an hour may bring 
with it, this is emphatically true with the sol- 
dier, whose life is in his hand : wlio is exposed 
to sudden death on the battlefield, and more 
exposed in the hardships, and dangers of the 
march and the camp. They die daily. They 
must feel themselves appointed to death. Now 
it is for them, as well as for myself, that I 
write this letter, to ask you to tell me how to 
find and get that assurance of faith, which 
overcomes all fear of death, and makes tlie 
soul tranquil in times of storm and tempest, 
being safe in the promises of God's Word. Do 



190 2^-^^ YOUNG QUARTERMASTER. 

you believe it to be possible for the soldier of 
the Cross to be so sure of his acceptance with 
God that he can go into battle without an anx- 
ious thought when he anticipates a messenger 
of death? And is it my privilege to know 
that Christ is mine and I am his ? And to live 
with this knowledge day by day, enjoying the 
light of his face and the fruit of his love? 
You have often spoken to me freely on those 
things that concern the soul's deepest experi- 
ences, and I want you to put into written ex- 
pression, the results of your own reflection 
and reading, that I may use your words in 
ministering to the soldiers of our beloved coun- 
try, who are dearer to me than ever, now that 
my brave and noble boy fills a Christian sol- 
dier's grave. 

Faithfully yours, L. G. B. 

THE REPLY. 

Your inquiries are the expressed yearnings 
of millions. The heart longs after rest : rest 
in God : the peace that comes with an assu- 
rance that we are the children of God and 
heirs with Christ to an everlasting inheritance 



THE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER. l^\ 

in heaven. This is not to be confounded with 
the inquiry whether it is possible for one who 
has been born of God to fall away into per- 
dition. That is quite another question, and I 
presume does not a_Q;itate your mind, because 
you wish to know what is the privilege of the 
believer while he lives a life of faith, denying 
the world, and seeking the glory of God, as 
his highest good. Such a believer, so living, is 
as safe as if he were uow treading the golden 
pavements of Paradise. His life is hid with 
Clirist in God. He may walk into the field of 
carnage and blood, face death in the breach of 
the wall or at the cannon's mouth ; on sea or 
land, in tlie storm or pestilence ; he may be 
cast into the den of lions or the fiery furnace ; 
he may lie down in the swamp or hospital and 
wait the coming of the last enemy that is to be 
destroyed, and in the midst of these scenes 
tliat fill men's souls with dread, he may confi- 
dently say, " I Icnoio that my Redeemer lives, 
and that I sliall see God when my soul is free !" 
Such an assurance is the result of simple trust 
in the mercy of God through the blood of 
Christ, It is a gift, bought for the believer 



19-2 THE YOUNG QUARTERMASTER. 

with the life of his Saviour. You will not ob- 
tain it by any process of reasoning to convince 
yourself that you are a Christian, and there- 
fore have a right to salvation. It is above the 
operations of the reasoning faculties, having 
its essence in the affections which have been 
.renewed by the Spirit and brought into harmo- 
nious union with the mind and will of Christ, 
so that " of this fullness," the believer receives 
'• grace for grace," and rests in it contentedly 
for salvation from sin, and death its penalty. 
This is the faith that overcomcth the world. 
Study that wonderful verse which is written 
in the book of the Revelations (xxi, 7), " He 
that overcometh shall inherit all things : and 
I will be his God and he shall be my son." 
Taking such a promise and resting on it as a 
child trusts to the word of an indulgent father, 
the believer dismisses all fear and finds perfect 
peace. 

You have often heard me say that liappiness 
is not a good to be sought after, so much as a 
result to be taken and enjoyed as it comes in 
the pursuit of the higher good, the Glory of 
God. It is true also that this assurance is not 



THE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER. 193 

to be made an object of pursuit, as an end, but 
it is to come as the free gift of God to them 
who, trusting in liis Son, seek to do his will. 
" He that keepeth this commandment dwelleth 
in Him and He in him. And hereby we know 
that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he 
hath given us." " There is no fear in love, but 
perfect love casteth out fear." This is the se- 
cret of the Lord which is with them that fear 
him. It seems to me, my dear friend, that much 
needless anxiety has been expended on the sub- 
ject of your inquiry, and that to dismiss that 
anxiety is the privilege and duty of every one 
who has made his peace with God by the blood 
of the Cross. "Assurance of faith" is nothing 
more nor less than present consciousness of ac- 
ceptance with God for the sake of his dear Son. 
It is the spirit of adoption. It is one of the 
benefits which flow from justification, being fol- 
lowed by peace of conscience, and joy in the 
Holy Ghost. No man, no saint on earth or^ in 
heaven, can get enough evidence of his being 
in Christ now, to warrant him in dismissing 
the subject for the future, and living on the 
past while he goes on in sin. Faith is a living, 
17 



194 THE YOUNG QUARTERMASTER. 

continuous^ everlasting exercise. It abides 
"with the believer forever. And while it is in 
lively exercise, it takes hold on eternal things 
and brings them near to present comprehension 
and enjoyment, so that things to come are 
part of the soul's experience while yet they are 
far off. 

There is no other scriptural assurance of 
faith than a strong consciousness of reconcilia- 
tion with God, begetting perfect love that cast- 
cth out fear, and bringing the soul into union 
with Christ. Thus joined to liim, the soldier 
may be and will be at peace in the heat of bat- 
tle, or in the struggles of death. 

" Scarce shall I feel death's cold embrace 
If Christ be in my arms." 

Death-shots may be falling thick and fast 
around him, but he fears them not. Even in 
that hour he may sing : 

" Hast thou not given thy word 
To save my soul from death ? 
And I can trust my Lord 
To keep my vital breath. 



THE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER. J 95 

I'll go and come 

Nor fear to die, 

Till from on high 
Thou call'st me home." 

My soldier friend ! you have read thus far, 
it may be, and do not know what is the faith 
that worketh by love and casteth out fear. 
The Quartermaster had it. The last question 
I asked him was if he had any fear, and ho 
shook his head. I knew he had none. There 
was a handwriting on his face that told me 
that all was peace — a peace that knows no 
measure or bounds. I shall never forget the 
expression of that manly face. It was not 
only placid, but joyful and full of the highest 
moral beauty. So he died — 

A mortal paleness on his face. 
But glory in his soul. 



A 



XXV. 



We are living — we are dwelling 

In a grand, eventful time, 
In an age — on ages telling — 

To be living is sublime. 

Hark! the waking up of nations, 

Truth and error to the fray; 
Hark ! what soundeth ? 'tis creation 

Groaning for its latter day. 

Will ye play, then ? will ye dally 
With your music and your wine? 

Up ! it is Jehovah's rally ! 
God's own arm hath need of thine. 

Hark ! the onset ! will ye fold your 

Faith-clad arms in lazy lock ? 
Up 1 oh up ! thou drowsy soldier ; 

Worlds are charging to the shock. 

Worlds are charging, heaven beholding, 

Thou hast but an hour to tight. 
And the blazoned Cross unfolding, 

On ! right onward — for the light. 

BRIGHTER day is breaking. Wc are 
standing in the dawning light of a more 

(196) 



THE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER. I97 

glorious era. The Lord goes before us and is 
working out great changes for us. To what 
events these may lead is a matter of faith. 
What personal sacrifices will have to be made 
in the working out of unanticipated results, no 
one can tell. Many a heart may be wrung 
with bitter sorrow, and many a house be filled 
with mourning, while God is all along conduct- 
ing us to a glorious future as a nation. 

The young Quartermaster seemed to have a 
glimpse of coming events, sucli as might involve 
his own life, but never having a doubt of a 
happy issue out of all our troubles. 

He writes : 

" I feel that my life will be spared, and that 
I sliall be returned" to you in safety. Oh ! how 
bright and glowing tlie future will be ; for it 
has mucli of happiness in store for us. Let us 
try and be worthy of it. 

"Possibly I may not be spared to return. 
God may have other and higher ends to serve 
in my death. If so, I ask to l)e made and found 
submissive to his will, whatever it may be." 

Often in his letters he makes similar allu- 
sions to the fiery ordeal through which the 
17" 



X98 THE YOUNG QVABTEBMASTEB. 

country is called to pass — involving his own 
life it might be — but leading out of this dark- 
ness into a day grand and glorious for us as a 
nation, brighter far than the boldest imagination 
has dared to paint. Wliile he anticipated com- 
ing home, he seems to have been strongly im- 
pressed with the idea that, in regard to him, 
God had other purposes in view. His con- 
stant frame of mind was perfect submission to 
God's holy will, whatever it might be as re- 
gards himself. His love of country kept pace 
with his unwavering love of God, and his con- 
fidence in God that he had great blessings in 
store for us as a people was never abated, but 
was constantly advancing. 

Such should be the confidence of every Chris- 
tian soldier. He should never lose sight of the 
causes of this war — of the enormous and ap- 
palling iniquity of rebellion — of the daring and 
gigantic conspiracy that would overthrow our 
government — and of the doom that sooner or 
later must come upon traitors. At the same 
time, the Christian soldier must believe that 
God will bring order out of confusion, and light 
out of darkness, and make the wrath of man to 



THE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER. I99 

praise him, and the remainder he will restrain ; 
and while he says, " Beliold I have set before 
you an open door and no man shall shut it," he 
must believe tliat a God of love and mercy, 
while he commands us " to break every yoke 
and let the oppressed go free, will find his own 
methods to fulfill the great designs and pur- 
poses of his grace to us, an undeserving nation, 
in making us a people to his praise. 

The Union as it was when it came from the 
hands of its framers and founders, was a Union 
dedicated to freedom. The statesmen who 
made the Constitution were nearly all opposed 
to slavery. They deplored its existence. They 
refused to have it recognized or sanctioned in 
the instrument they drew. They wished and 
expected that it would soon die out. But they 
were mistaken. Invention and commerce gave 
it value ; value transformed it from an evil into 
a good. Supposed sectional interest became 
a religion. The teachers of Christianity found 
the Bible to be the advocate of oppression. 
All this and more has been asserted elsewhere, 
by men who comprehended their own meaning 
and their own undertaking. They have de- 



200 ^^^^ YOUNG QUAETEEMASTER. 

clared that the Union as it was and tlie Con- 
stitution as it is were both wrong, because both 
contemplated the destruction of slavery. They 
rebelled against the ballot-box, against the 
Constitution of their country, and against the 
universal sentiment of enlightened, Christian 
nations. They assailed the fundamental prin- 
ciples of social, political, and religious science, 
by denying the manhood of the negro, by in- 
sisting that capital should own labor, and by 
trampling on the liopes and aspirations of that 
democratic order of government which has its 
roots and its sustenance in the Word of God. 

Thus the issue was fairly and squarely made. 
Everybody could know precisely what was pro- 
posed by the leaders in secession. Everybody 
might see that they had incited an insurrection, 
not against a political party, but against the 
Constitution ; not against a section, but against 
freedom ; not against their own Government 
only, but against the rights of mankind, under 
all governments whatsoever. The rel^ellion 
claimed ability to bring nations to it as suppli- 
ants for its one principal commercial commod- 
ity. It made its proclamations for the estab- 



TEE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER. 201 

lishment of a vast slave empire, that should 
encircle the Gulf. It undertook to subvert and 
pervert the anti-slavery sentiment of the world. 
At the very moment when nations were ap- 
plauding the Emperor of the Russians and the 
Government of Holland for liberating millions 
of bondmen, the foolish and blind guides of the 
South sent missionaries to convert England and 
the continent to a pro-slavery faith. The inso- 
lent assumptions involved in tliese boasts and 
pretensions could not but awaken both surprise 
and horror. The world was amazed, and the 
loyal people of the free States saw that they 
were required, not only to support their Govern- 
ment and defend the nation, but that they must 
oppose also, to the extent of their ability, and 
destroy root and branch, a growth of ram- 
pant and heaven-defying barbarism, which was 
stretching itself to overshadow the whole gar- 
den of American civilization. 

Who, then, were the authors of the ruin that 
has come, and will still come, more and more, 
upon slavery as a political and domestic insti- 
tution? Before the war, it was hedged in and 
defended by law, conscience, and the ballot- 



202 ^-^-^ TOTING QUARTERMASTER. 

box. All its defences are now gone, and will 
never more be restored. The days of slavery 
are well-nigh ended. Its political power cer- 
tainly is gone, and gone forever. What has 
happened in some States, Avill happen elsewhere. 
So soon as the people of the Southern States 
shall be allowed liberty of speech and of action, 
they will rid themselves of that primeval curse, 
which was permitted to exist in partnership 
with the blessing of freedom, from the begin- 
ning of our Government. For we think it must 
be admitted that the Southern people as such — 
at least scarcely a majority of them were vol- 
untary rebels. They were themselves coerced, 
by violence and fraud, into an attitude they 
would not have chosen. 

But now the iron has entered their, souls. 
Want, suifering, affliction, bereavement, and 
distress as sharp and severe as can well befall 
a people, have become t,he portion of their cup. 
Deceived, betrayed, plundered, and oppressed, 
the people of the Soutli, as distinguished from 
their political guides and destroyers, have seen, 
through blood and tears, that slavery costs tod' 
much, when it requires the sacrifice of every- 



THE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER. 203 

thing which high-minded men value. We have 
witnessed already something far more tlian the 
beginning of the end. For, as territories or 
States have been reclaimed to their allegiance, 
new leaders have arisen to pilot tlie worn and 
wearied people of the South through their wil- 
derness. 

This great revolution in opinion, both at the 
North and in the South, respecting the incom- 
patibility of slavery and freedom, is the direct 
result of the war. It will rid the nation of an 
evil entailed upon it while yet in its dependent 
and colonial state ; which the great and good 
men of the past feared and deplored ; which 
has corrupted manners and morals, enslaved 
parties, generated the most malignant contro- 
versies, and threatened the very existence of 
the Union. 

The cause which we have supported, resting 
upon right and opposing a gigantic wrong, has 
been signally favored of God. To him be all 
the praise and honor and glory, for our large 
and wonderful successes. He raised up men 
of valor, and strengthened their hands for war. 
He gave the inspiration of courage to men 



204 ^^^ YOUNG QUAETERMASTER. 

trained to believe peace among the largest of 
blessings. Defeats and disasters have been 
sent, indeed, to bumble our pride, repress our 
vanity, and show us the real sources of our 
strength. And yet there have been all the 
while steady progress towards the grand con- 
clusions which appear to be now almost 
reached. 

The expectations of the wicked have been 
cut off, and their hopes have perished day by 
day. Disappointed in their hoping for divi- 
sions at the North, and in their desires for 
armed intervention from abroad, their currency 
worthless, their cabinet and armies filled with 
distractions and discontent, their people under 
them well-nigh ready to mutiny, their principal 
towns occupied or beleaguered by Union forces 
their territory dissevered, tlieir main army fly- 
ing before victorious legions — routed, spoiled, 
and in part captured— their granaries nearly 
empty, their resources in men all impressed into 
a hateful service, starvation threatening their 
capital, property and life everywhere insecure, 
save only where the old flag waves, without 
sympathy from any people of any country under 



THE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER. 205 

the sun, and without a single worthy motive to an- 
imate and sustain them — the leaders of the rebel- 
lion are disclosed now to the world as a band of 
miscreants, whose conspicuous infamy is, that to 
gratify their personal ambition, they liave deci- 
mated their own people, and filled the wliole 
land with lamentation, mourning, and tears. 
But the night wanes, and the day is at hand, 
when, shimmering over the Atlantic wave, and 
glistening along the granite hills of New Eng- 
land, and flooding over tlie Alleghanies, and 
rushing down into the broad valley of the Mis- 
sissippi, and over the vast prairies of the re- 
moter West, on to the shores of the Pacific, 
shall come that blessed light Avhicli shall illu- 
mine, in their peaceful industry, a nation re- 
united under the flag of constitutional order, 
and knit together again, in all its parts, by the 
healing ministries of love and confidence and 
and mutual friendship, restored and hallowed 
by the memory of common wrongs and common 
sufferings. 

But while rebellion has been thus gradually 
and surely reduced to extremities, what a spec- 
tacle of marvelous prosperity have the loyal 
18 



206 ^^^ YOUNG QUARTERMASTER. 

States presented! Abundant harvests, suffi- 
cient for their own needs, with a surplus for 
exportation ; labor everywliere amply reward- 
ed ; art, literature, science, and religion per- 
forming their humane tasks ; schools, and col- 
leges, and seminaries of learning filled with in- 
genuous youth devoted to the service of free- 
dom ; our cities crammed with the comm^odi- 
ties of every clime ; our commerce performing 
its mission of peace to distant nations ; and 
the people, though intent upon prosecuting an 
immense war, are so sure, nevertheless, of its 
victorious end, that they are enabled still to 
conduct the great enterprises of peace, as though 
no sounds of hostile cannon were heard in the 
land. We say not these things to inflate van- 
ity or encourage boastfulness. The Discerner 
of hearts knows we have enough to humble us. 
Political corruption still creeps with serpentine 
subtlety in high places and low. Selfish in- 
trigues impede military operations, and so hin- 
der progress. Unscrupulous demagogues make 
merchandise of the loyal sensibilities of their 
dupes, and many a once happy home asks in 
vain for the loved ones who have fallen in the 



TEE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER. 207 

high places of the field, to return no more for- 
ever. Notwithstanding all these, the Lord has 
done great things for us, whereof we have rea- 
son to be devoutly glad. 

Let us continue to pray for peace, and for 
the return of our enemies to our brotherhood 
and friendship. Let us stand by the Govern- 
ment, whatever may be its faults of administra- 
tion. Let us encourage our army and navy in 
every way possible ; let us keep one object, 
and just now only one in our view — and that is 
the armed suppression of the armed bands of 
traitors. We have no olive-branch for men 
with gleaming swords and shotted cannon 
ready for the destruction of our liberties. We 
have nothing but red-handed war for the ene- 
mies of our country, until their armies shall 
have been scattered like leaves of autumn, and 
their leaders overwhelmed with the tempest 
of our most righteous and most Christian in- 
dignation. When this task shall have been 
accomplished to the uttermost, then peace and 
good-will we owe and must give to the people 
of the Southern States. Do not let us talk of 
their subjugation. They are Americans and 



208 ^^-^ YOUNG QUARTERMASTER. 

our brothers. Do not let us talk of annihila- 
ting their States, and depriving them of their 
franchises. The prodigal son was received, 
when he returned, with wine, and music, and 
dancing, and feasting. And are we so right- 
eous that we cannot forgive repenting sinners ? 
Are we so blameless in our political lives, that 
we can overlook no political wrongs in others, 
when once they have been forsaken ? No ! no ! 
We are again to bo a nation of bretln-en. Our 
domestic animosities will come to an end, and 
there will be a North and a South, an East and 
a West, so happily wedded in the sacred trust 
of national love, tliat even our aristocratic ene- 
mies abroad will be constrained to say, " What 
God hath joined together, let not man put asun- 
der." Happy day ! that shall witness the new 
espousals, and hear the nuptial hymn resound- 
ing over the land. 

Yes, -we trust the day is breaking, 
Joyful times are just at hand. 

The young Quartermaster has gone. He 
lived not to see them ; but he saw and antici- 



THE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER. 209 

pated them by the eye of faith. Oh! have 
faith in God, ye soldiers of Liberty — Fraterni- 
ty — Union — a union of hands and hearts and 
States, — all these, now and forevee. 

18* 



XXVL 

^ Citijni: of ItalJttt. 

Mansions are prepared above 
By the gracious God of love; 
Many will those mansions see. 
Is there one prepared for me ? 

Crowns that dazzle human eye 
Wait for those who reach the sky; 
Many will those bright crowns be. 
Is there one prepared for me? 

Robes of spotless white are given 
By the gracious King of Heaven : 
All can have them— they are free. 
Is there one prepared for me? 

Harps of solemn sound above 
Swell loud praises to his love: 
Oh ! how sweet their sound will be. 
Is there one prepared for me ? 

Let me ask my thoughtful heart, 
Shall I with the blest take part ? 
Shall I, Lord, thy glory see? 
Is such bliss prepared for me? 

npHE mission of the young Quartermaster is 
-*- fulfilled. I confess that I never think of 
it without a pang. This was not so painful 

(210) 



THE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER. 211 

at first as now. The old feeling comes and I 
say, " Can his mission be ended ? Might he 
not have gone into some other sphere of duty 
and done more for the honor of his Divine 
Master ? Might he not have lived longer, been 
more happy, done more good, diffused more 
blessings around him, and been more generally 
useful T And I would fain say he might. 

" Ought I to have urged him to go into the 
Department of the South, to take upon himself 
such heavy responsibilities and the perform- 
ance of such exhausting duties ? 

" Did he die in the right time, and in the 
right place, and did he not die out of time and 
out of place, in consequence of some influence 
which I liave exerted V 

That once he had doubts on these points I 
know. 

He writes from Port Royal : 

" You say, ' I am so thankful that you are not 
in the Army of the Potomac or in the Iron- 
sides either. If you must be doing service for 
your country, I would rather you would be 
where you are. How do you feel about it ?' 

" You know I have great respect to the way 



212 THE YOUNG QUARTERMASTER. 

I felt at the time when I enlisted. I felt as 
if I ought to enlist in the 59th New York, and 
go with Rev. Mr. Scudder. I felt that there 
was my place, and tliere was where God in his 
providence designed that I should be. I did 
not, however, follow this feeling, but enlisted 
in the Ironsides, expecting the while to receive 
my present appointment. I cannot do away 
with my first feelings. It seems as if I ought 
to be in the 59th New York Regiment. There 
was a day that I had hard work to resist the 
impulse to go immediately and enlist in that 
regiment. And I should not be at all sur- 
prised if I should find that I had missed it by 
a long way in coming down here.'' 
' Afterwards, he became convinced tliat he was 
in just the place God had marked out for him, 
and was most devoutly thankful that he was in 
the Department of the South, and in a regiment 
of colored men. 

I am truly and unfeignedly thankful that 
God gave me a son who was willing to peril 
his life in promoting the cause of human lib- 
erty and the establishment of the supremacy 
of constitutional law and order over the land. 



THE CHRISTIA N SOLDIER, 213 

I am filled with gratitude that God enabled 
him to witness a good confession, before many- 
witnesses, of his unwavering faith in God 
through Jesus Christ- I am fully satisfied that 
God Avas preparing him by all these means for 
an abundant entrance into his heavenly king- 
dom. 

I remember with profound thankfulness that 
my dear soldier-boy, on each occasion, when he 
was going away into tlie army, came into the 
Fulton-Street Prayer-meeting and asked the 
prayers of the meeting that God would go 
with him and aid him in all his duties, and 
enable him to be a faithful witness for Jesus 
Christ under all circumstances and in every 
place. I remember that he did this of his own 
motion, and in no case did he ask prayer for 
his life. But he did want them to pray that 
the life which he lived here in the flesh, might 
be lived by the faith of the Son of God, that 
when he who is the believer's life should ap- 
pear, he miglit appear with him also in glory. . 

And I have the most unshaken conviction 
that God was pleased to answer the prayers 
which were offered in his behalf, by that holy 



214 THE YOUNG QUATEBM ASTER. 

keeping with which he was kept through faith 
unto salvation. I remember how fervent he 
made his appeals to his Christian brethren to 
be remembered by them when he should be far 
away. This desire lived with him on the 
camping-ground and on the march, and hence 
we are not surprised that he writes as fol- 
lows : 

" Do not forget to pray for me, that I may be 
kept true to tlie love of Jesus in my soul. As 
I came in to-night, I rested my hand upon the 
brow of one of our men who had just left this 
world of care and sorrow. Life had been gone 
but a few moments ; yet in that few moments 
how great the change ! And here I am, with 
death all around me, and myself liable to meet 
it at any moment. I want daily to live so that 
it shall be for me but the passing to a higher 
and better life. If I should be called home 
without ever seeing you again on earth, I want: 
you to feel that I have only gone on before, 
and that on that bright, radiant shore I shall 
wait to welcome you." ' 

I am thankful that he never wrote home a 
single letter after he went away that did not 



THE CriRISTIAN SOLDIER. 215 

abound with the expression of such sentiments 
and such desires as these. 

His citizenship was on high. He had not 
come unto the Mount that might not be touched 
and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, 
and darkness, and tempest ; but he had come 
unto Mount Zion, and unto the City of the liv- 
ing God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an in- 
numerable company of angels, to the General 
Assembly, and Church of the First Born, which 
are Avritteu in heaven, and to God, the Judge 
of all, and to the spirits of just men made per- 
fect, and to Jesus the Mediator of the new 
covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that 
speaketh better things than that of Abel. 

We can now see within the veil, and get 
impressions as tangible as if seeing with mor- 
tal eyes, with the aids of the Word and Spirit, 
that he has come into possession of all tliat he 
Ifrayed for and longed for here, and that he 
has become a fellow-citizen with the saints, 
and of the household of God. We stand, by 
his death, connected, not so much with the seen 
and temporal, as with the unseen and eternal. 
Oh ! how I adore the matchless grace and 



216 THE YOUNG QUAETERM ASTER. 

mercy that so effectually called him, a poor, 
wandering, sinful boy, into the kingdom of 
God's grace below, and now into the kingdom 
of his glory above. 

The call is now to all the youth of our land, 
in our army and navy, in our congregations 
and Sabbath Schools, in our colleges and 
schools of learning, — to follow in the footsteps 
of the young Quartermaster, so far as he fol- 
lowed Christ, our great and glorious Example, 
devoting their powers to his service, and their 
lives to the promotion of his cause. 




X 




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■^0^ 



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